An international team of scientists has identified a series of fossil specimens in the Turkana Lake basin (Kenya), which reveal the coexistence of two human species for 1.5 million years. These markings, attributed to Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, suggest a more complex evolutionary scenario than is currently possible.

Photo: Kevin Hatala

The analysis of the undertakings shows significant differences in the structure and size, which will allow us to identify the presence of two different groups of hominids. While the specimens of Homo erectus reflect biomechanics similar to that of modern humans, those of Paranthropus boisei present anatomical variations that indicate different physical characteristics. That is to say, parlem of a hominid menys corpulent, with a cervell smaller than the erectus, and characterized by enormous jaws and molars with mastegava hard and fibrous vegetables, which continue to fent avui day the goril·les.

This discovery suggests that the ecosystems of more than 1.5 million years contain habitats for diverse human species that share territories and resources. Això reinforces the idea that the interaction between other species in terms of competition or peaceful coexistence will play a crucial role in human evolution. It also raises new questions about how these species could have been adapted to a competitive environment in terms of access to food and habitats.

“There will be a difference in hours, or a number of times at most,” explains Kevin Hatala, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany and co-author of the published troballa reported in Science. The discovery of these fossilized petites allows us to explore “many of classic questions about human evolution and competition between species,” the scientist highlights.

Importance of discovery

The fossilized specimens not only offer a unique insight into the locomotion and biomechanics of these species, but also provide clues about social and ecological behavior. This type of evidence is scarce in the fossil record, and its analysis helps to reconstruct the panorama of the first human interactions. Furthermore, he suggests that the evolution of the bipedal creature, a distinct trait of the genus Homo, was already well established at this time.

This findign opens new lines of research to understand the diversity and dynamics of ancient human populations. Future studies could focus on more quickly identifying, analyzing associated archaeological remains and developing models that explain how these species will coexist and evolve in a changing environment. Així mateix, poses to manifest the importance of interdisciplinary research in paleontology, anthropology and geology to decipher the mysteries of the passat.