6 sources·Science

Ancient Footprints Reveal Coexistence of Early Human Species 1.5 Million Years Ago

New evidence from Kenya shows Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei interacted closely, suggesting complex ecological relationships among early hominins.

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Updated: Nov 28th, 2024, 6:04 PM ET

Summary

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A groundbreaking discovery of fossilized footprints in Kenya indicates that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei shared the same lakeside environment around 1.5 million years ago. Analysis of these footprints suggests they were made within a few hours or days of each other, providing direct evidence of their coexistence. Researchers hypothesize that the two species may have recognized each other, raising questions about their interactions—whether cooperative or competitive. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of early human evolution and the complexity of ecological relationships among ancient hominins.

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