Skull points to a more complex human evolution in Africa

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14947363


Professor Chris Stringer compares one of the 13,000-year-old skulls (centre) with modern (l) and ancient (r) African fossils


Scientists have collected more evidence to suggest that ancient and modern humans interbred in Africa.

Reanalysis of the 13,000-year-old skull from a cave in West Africa reveals a skull more primitive-looking than its age suggests.

The result suggests that the ancestors of early humans did not die out quickly in Africa, but instead lived alongside their descendents and bred with them until comparatively recently.

The skull, found in the Iwo Eleru cave in Nigeria in 1965, does not look like a modern human.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Thanks.

I've had a fascination with physical anthro & human evolution for 50 years--during which time I've been witness to some deplorable trends in cultural evolution. I think it would be easier to elect a Homo Erectus to the White House than a Homo Sap. And I live in dread that Perry might prove me right.

[Chimichurri]

2. Very cool. I love science!

[starroute]

3. Ancient multiculturalism!

You'd hope it might hold some lessons for people today.