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Scientists found Homo erectus 200,000 years earlier than expected

Researchers have described 18 hominin fossils from Drimolen Cave, including an adult Homo erectus skull fragment dated to about 2 million years ago…

ScienceDaily reports that researchers have described 18 hominin fossils from Drimolen Cave, including an adult Homo erectus skull fragment dated to about 2 million years ago, supporting evidence that the species appeared in southern Africa roughly 200,000 years earlier than long thought.

New fossils from South Africa are reshaping the story of early human evolution.

This science story centres on South Africa. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Homo, Drimolen Cave and Paranthropus.

Why it matters

Research developments are often early steps — further studies typically determine how significant they prove to be.

Key details

Location
South Africa · Africa
Reported by
ScienceDaily
First reported
Key names
Homo, Drimolen Cave, Paranthropus, Africa
Section
Science

Sources

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Read the full story at ScienceDaily

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