Morocco fossils illuminate the divergence of Homo sapiens from Neanderthals and Denisovans
Fossils from Morocco, about 780,000 years old, offer new clues on when Homo sapiens diverged from Neanderthals and Denisovans, aided by magnetic pole reversal dating.
Overview
Archaeologists in Morocco uncovered fossils dating roughly 780,000 years old, adding data to the ongoing discussion about early Homo species and their geographic distribution.
The fossils display a mix of archaic mandible features with teeth and chins similar to early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, suggesting complex morphology.
Dating was aided by sediment layers linked to Earth's magnetic pole reversal, helping place the specimen within a difficult-to-date epoch.
Genetic evidence from elsewhere suggests Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans diverged from a common ancestor between 765,000 and 550,000 years ago.
The split indicates Neanderthals and Denisovans became separate lineages by roughly 430,000–470,000 years ago, refining timelines of human evolution and dispersal.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources... The reporting appears neutral, laying out the study's claims about 773,000-year-old fossils with caveats and no sensationalism. It quotes several scientists, mentions shifts away from Homo heidelbergensis, and highlights ongoing uncertainties. The piece emphasizes evidence and methodology over viewpoints to support a balanced, evidence-forward portrayal.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The fossils are approximately 780,000 years old and were uncovered by archaeologists in Morocco.
Dating was aided by sediment layers linked to Earth's magnetic pole reversal, placing the specimen within a difficult-to-date epoch.
The fossils show a mix of archaic mandible features with teeth and chins similar to early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, suggesting complex morphology.
Genetic evidence indicates Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans diverged from a common ancestor between 765,000 and 550,000 years ago, with Neanderthals and Denisovans splitting into separate lineages by 430,000–470,000 years ago.
They provide new clues on the timing of divergence between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals/Denisovans, refining timelines of early Homo species evolution and geographic distribution.
History
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