batampa – For decades, the world of science believed that Australopithecus afarensis, known through the iconic “Lucy” fossil, was the only hominin that inhabited Ethiopia around 3 million years ago. However, the discovery of mysterious foot fossils in Burtele, Ethiopia, broke this assumption and revealed the existence of another ancient human species that lived side by side with Lucy.
Scientists confirmed that the foot fossil did not belong to Australopithecus afarensis. The findings show different anatomical characteristics, especially the big toe which can still grip, resembling that of an ape.
Quoted from CBS News, the foot fossil was first discovered in 2009. Initially, researchers suspected the fossil was part of Lucy. However, its anatomical structure shows irregularities. Unlike Lucy, who walks upright on land, the owner of these legs is thought to still spend a lot of time in the trees.
These differences indicate that there was more than one hominin species living in the same area during that period.
Scientific confirmation was obtained after the research team found a complete jaw fossil with 12 teeth in the same location. Through further analysis, experts concluded that the foot fossil belonged to the species Australopithecus deyiremeda.
This finding also confirms the existence of Australopithecus deyiremeda, which has previously been debated since it was first introduced to the scientific world in 2015.
“We have no doubt that Burtele’s legs belong to the same species as these jaws and teeth,” said Yohannes Haile-Selassie of Arizona State University, lead author of the study.
The results of a CT scan of the teeth showed that A. deyiremeda had a different diet and lifestyle compared to Lucy. This species is thought to consume more leaves, fruit and nuts from trees, while Lucy is more adapted to life on land.
This difference in way of life is believed to allow the two species to coexist without direct competition for resources.
According to Haile-Selassie, this discovery shows that diversity and coexistence have been part of the early history of human evolution.
Who Are The Real Human Ancestors?
Although A. deyiremeda is now a rising star in paleoanthropology, experts consider it unlikely that this species is a direct ancestor of modern humans (Homo sapiens). The primitive shape of its feet suggests it was on a different evolutionary path.
However, this discovery opened the world’s eyes to the fact that the history of human evolution is much more complicated and full of branches.
John McNabb, a paleolithic archaeologist from the University of Southampton, called this find very crucial. “This adds a new player to the mix of the search for the true identity of our ancestors,” he said.
Now, scientists are preparing to find the next puzzle piece on African soil that may change human history once again.
