Ancient teeth reveal coexisting human lineages.
Fossilized teeth from 2.6 million years ago reveal two ancient human lineages coexisted in Ethiopia.
Why it matters
- Challenges the linear view of human evolution.
- Shows that human evolution is more like a bushy tree.
- Provides new insights into early human coexistence.
By the numbers
- Teeth date back to 2.6 million years ago.
- Two different lineages found at the same site.
- Four known hominins now in eastern Africa.
The big picture
- Human evolution is complex and non-linear.
- This discovery fills a gap in the fossil record.
- More fossils needed to understand differences between Australopithecus and Homo.
What they're saying
- A comment clarifies that these are hominins, not modern humans.
Caveats
- Exact species of the teeth are not yet determined.
- More fossils needed for a complete understanding.
What’s next
- Further research to identify the exact species.
- More fossil discoveries to fill gaps in the evolutionary record.