A fossil has been found in Turkey that was carbon-dated to be approximately 8.7 million years old. The fossil was named Anadoluvius turkae and could challenge the most prominent theory about where all humans originated from. Humans could have, in fact, evolved in Europe before moving to Africa.
What is Anadoluvius turkae?
In the Çorakyerler site in Turkey, Anadoluvius turkae was found with incredibly well-preserved teeth, jaws, and skull fragments. This means that researchers could determine a lot about the specimen, including their stature, which was approximately the size of a male adult chimpanzee.
Geological Context
The fossils were found in what was once a lush landscape, but after the climate shifted, it became arid. This means the specimen could have evolved in circumstances similar to those of early humans in Africa. This is an important factor in helping us understand how the environment affects human evolution.
Implications for Human Origins
The most popular theory is that humans came from Africa approximately 200,000 years ago, but these fossil findings could challenge this. Anadoluvius turkae could show us that our ancestors could have developed in Europe before moving into Africa.
The Homininae Subfamily
Anadoluvius turkae has been determined to be part of the Homininae subfamily, which includes modern humans and their ancestors. Homo sapiens were part of Hominini, while modern-day apes like chimpanzees are part of Panina. This new fossil could help us understand our connection to primates and the diverting paths of evolution.
Evolutionary Pathways
Anadoluvius turkae could show us that early humans could have evolved a significant amount of their five million year journey isolated inside of Europe before moving on into the African Continent.
Fossil Analysis Techniques
With Anadoluvius turkae’s fossils being found in such good condition, researchers can understand more about distinct features and attributes. This can help us find connections between ancient primates and their relationship to early and modern humans.
Diet and Habitat
With the jaws and teeth being preserved well, researchers determined that their teeth were made to chew and break down tough plant matter, such as roots. After a dramatic climate change, they inhabited dry forests and lived primarily on the ground, unlike modern great apes who live in jungle biomes.
Broader Implications for Evolutionary Science
These findings can help us learn more about our ancestral background and the importance of finding early ape and human fossils in both Africa and Europe.
The Role of Climate Change
Climate shifts played an enormous role in our early human ancestors. With drier conditions becoming prominent, this led to the decline of dense forests. Anadoluvius had to adapt to new surroundings or die out quickly. These environmental adaptations show researchers that early hominins dealt with their circumstances and how they evolved as a result.
Ongoing Research Efforts
Paleontologists and archaeologists collaborate across institutions, meticulously excavating fossil sites throughout Turkey and neighboring regions. Their objective is to unearth additional remnants that shed light on the ancient hominins who once inhabited these lands and the migratory routes they undertook.
Conclusion on Human Origins
The unearthing of the Anadoluvius turkle fossil poses intriguing queries about humanity’s ancestral origins. Although Africa has traditionally been regarded as the birthplace of our species, this novel finding hints at a more intricate narrative, with potential evolutionary ties extending into the European continent.
Future Directions in Paleoanthropology
Studying ancient human remains and artifacts continues to shed light on our evolutionary journey. Upcoming investigations will combine fossil findings with genetic information to paint a clearer picture of how our early ancestors developed and spread across the globe, reshaping our grasp of humanity’s roots and identity.
Sources:
Humans originated in Europe, not Africa, according to fossil discovery
An 8.7 million-year-old ape skull suggests that human and ape ancestors may have evolved in Europe, not Africa
