Scientists in South Africa have discovered a new human-like species in a burial chamber deep in a cave system in South Africa. The researchers claim that the discovery will change ideas about our human ancestors. The discovery of 15 partial skeletons is the largest single discovery of its type in Africa. The reserch was published in eLife.

The name of the species is Homo naledi. The scientist have found 1550 fossils. The fossils were unearthed in two expeditions conducted in November 2013 and March 2014. Since then, they have been cleaned, examined and analyzed by more than 50 scientists and researchers. The researchers concluded that the fossilized bones belonged to at least 15 females, males and children who may have all been entombed at the same time at the site.

Structure:

According to the researchers:

•  an adult Homo naledi  had long legs
• stood about 5 feet tall
• weighed 100 pounds
• had ape-like shoulders as well as hands with peculiar fingers
• The species also likely had a tiny brain and skull — smaller than a modern human’s.

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