Scientists from the University of Witwatersrand have made a groundbreaking discovery in South Africa – a new species of human, deemed homo naledi.
The remains were found accidentally by amateur cavers two years prior, and a more elaborate expedition commenced. The result? 15 individuals found in a dark, isolated cave extremely difficult to access.
Scientists found that the species practiced a ritual long-believed to be unique to modern humans: burying the dead in isolated chambers. Because of where the fossils were found, the team concluded that they were ritualistically buried inside the cave.
According to Unilad,
A selection of age groups were allegedly found, from infants to teens, to young adults and elderly. Homo naledi were fairly tall, with small heads. They also had incredibly human like hands, but their shoulders were able to rotate more than ours, suggesting they were keen climbers.
Scientists also said that Homo naledi could possibly be the base for our genus.
Awesome.
