A groundbreaking discovery in a Spanish cave has unearthed the oldest known fossil remains of human ancestors in Western Europe, shedding new light on human evolution and introducing a new chapter in European human history.
The Earliest Human Face of Western Europe
A recent discovery in a Spanish cave has provided the oldest known fossil remains of human ancestors in Western Europe. ‘The fossils, which date back to between 1.4 million and 1.1 million years ago, have shed new light on human evolution.’
Human evolution is a complex and multifaceted process that spans millions of years.
The most widely accepted theory is the gradual adaptation of primates to their environments, driven by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Key milestones include the emergence of Homo habilis around 2.8 million years ago, followed by Homo erectus at 1.8 million years ago.
The development of Homo sapiens in Africa around 300,000 years ago marked a significant turning point in human evolution.
Notable adaptations include upright walking, brain expansion, and language development.
A New Chapter in European Human Evolution
The discovery was made at Sima del Elefante, a cave site in Spain where several fossil fragments were found. When pieced together, these fragments form a partial left upper jaw and cheek bone that is believed to belong to a previously unknown European Homo population. This find introduces a new actor into the story of human evolution in Europe.
The Sima de las Cuenca is a massive cave entrance located in the Sierra de Atapuerca mountain range in northern 'Spain.'
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been designated as one of the most important paleontological sites in 'Europe.'
The name ''Sima de las Cuenca'' translates to ''the sinkhole of the riverbed.'' The cave's entrance measures over 35 meters in diameter and 15 meters deep, making it an impressive natural wonder.
A Unique Midface
The ancient midface comes from a species that shares some features with Homo erectus individuals who lived at Dmanisi, Georgia, around 1.8 million years ago. However, not enough evidence exists to determine whether this find qualifies as Homo erectus or a separate species. Researchers used digital scanning to create a virtual, 3-D version of the entire ancient midface, which revealed some interesting characteristics.
A Possible Connection to Homo Antecessor
The discovery also sheds light on the evolutionary ties between two ancient European Homo species: Sima del Elefante and Homo antecessor. While the exact relationship between these species remains unclear, researchers suggest that members of the Sima del Elefante species may have survived until shortly after the arrival of Homo antecessor in Europe.
Homo antecessor, meaning 'pioneer' in Latin, is an extinct human species discovered in the Atapuerca Mountains of Spain.
Fossil records date back to around 1.2 million years ago, during the early Pleistocene era.
Characterized by a mix of archaic and modern traits, Homo antecessor walked upright like modern humans but had a more robust build and a brain size similar to that of Homo heidelbergensis.
Climate Change and Human Migration
The discovery was made in a region with mild temperatures and a setting dotted with meadows, woods, shrubs, and streams. This environment is believed to be consistent with the conditions that existed during the time period when extreme cold may have temporarily driven hominid populations out of Europe shortly before 1.1 million years ago. If this scenario holds up, it’s possible that the Sima del Elefante Homo species may have died out before Homo antecessor arrived in Europe.
A Regional Population of Homo Erectus?
G. Philip Rightmire, a biological anthropologist from Harvard University, suspects that the ancient Sima del Elefante crowd belonged to Homo erectus. Fossil remains of four Homo erectus faces at Dmanisi display considerable variation in nasal structure and other midface traits, with one face aligning closely with the Spanish midface discovery. Rightmire believes that a regional population of Homo erectus occupied Dmanisi around 1.8 million years ago, with later populations moving into Europe.
A New Chapter in Human Evolution
The discovery at Sima del Elefante provides a unique window into human evolution in Western Europe. As researchers continue to study this find and its implications for our understanding of human history, we may uncover new insights into the complex and fascinating story of human origins.
- sciencenews.org | Western Europe’s oldest face adds new wrinkles to human evolution
