When we think about the origins of humankind, our minds often travel to the iconic sites of East and South Africa. Places like the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge, and Sterkfontein have given us the majority of our understanding of early hominins—those distant ancestors who walked the Earth millions of years ago. But what ifContinue reading “Exploring the Untapped Potential of West African Paleoanthropology”
Category Archives: evolution
What is the Paleo Diet?
Written by Emily M The paleo diet is a term which has been thrown around for years as a way to eat cleaner and achieve better health. Its core principles are to only eat food items which would also be available during the palaeolithic, that period in time where we were anatomically modern humans, butContinue reading “What is the Paleo Diet?”
Snake Detection Theory: Did Snakes Play a Role in Primate Evolution?
Just like primates, snakes are one of the most unique vertebrates on the planet. They have evolved to adapt for various environmental conditions, occupying various niches across ecosystems, across the entire world. Ophidiophobia, the psychological fear of snakes, is one of the most common fears that humans seem to innately develop, often without ever encounteringContinue reading “Snake Detection Theory: Did Snakes Play a Role in Primate Evolution?”
Hominin Homes
Did other species of humans, in addition to Homo sapiens, have shelters or some other form of artificial structure to make life more comfortable? If so, what can this tell us about different human species’ adaptability and suitability to cold climates? One possible way to recognize campsites is through the presence of fire. A newContinue reading “Hominin Homes”
New Discovery in South Africa Unearths a New Chapter in Human Evolution
Update: As per eLife’s publishing policy, here are the peer reviews, I implore you to read, and digest all of this info! Co-Authored with Genevieve von Petzinger As I sit here watching the Press Release on the new naledi findings, I can’t help but feel captivated, excited, and at the edge of my seat aboutContinue reading “New Discovery in South Africa Unearths a New Chapter in Human Evolution”
Thoughts on Human Hibernation
Hibernation is a word many of us will be familiar with, as it is a strategy that some animals living today in Northern latitudes employ to cope with the harsh winter months. However, does there exist potential for humans to hibernate too? And beyond that, did any of our ancient hominin relatives do so inContinue reading “Thoughts on Human Hibernation”
Ghost DNA and Human Evolution
Coauthored with the New Bing What is a ghost lineage in terms of human evolution? How is ancient DNA obtained, and how do we know who is missing? What evidence do we have to support whom we think the species is? Has the species been identified? How long ago did this introgression of DNA occur?Continue reading “Ghost DNA and Human Evolution”
Did Homo naledi “Bury” their Dead?
The term “Bury” holds many connotations with it, so with this word, are we yet comfortable saying that Homo naledi buried their dead? Read on to find out!
Top Five Paleoanthropology Discoveries of 2022
Remember, there is always more to learn! Paleoanthropology is the study, of the need for knowledge, of our deep shared human origins. Where do we come from? It is often a question that many of us find ourselves asking from time to time. For some, the answer is in religion, and if that works forContinue reading “Top Five Paleoanthropology Discoveries of 2022”
Skulls with Seth Episode Three-Zinj
Episode Three- Zinj ZInj, also known as the Nutcracker Man, or more properly Zinjanthropus Bosei or Australopithecus Bosei, is a species that lived about two million years ago. With a lifestyle and diet extraordinarily different from our own, this is a unique hominin still struggling to find its place among our braided family stream. ButContinue reading “Skulls with Seth Episode Three-Zinj”
World of Paleoanthropology 