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: origins
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?”
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”
Homo naledi on its way to Copenhagen?
Homo naledi is a mysterious human relative that lived in South Africa about 300,000 years ago. It had a mix of primitive and modern features, such as a small brain, a human-like foot, and complex social behavior. It also had a unique way of disposing of its dead: it deliberately carried them into a deep,Continue reading “Homo naledi on its way to Copenhagen?”
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”
The First Homo?
What was the first Homo species? Was it K. platypus, the Lomekwian toolmakers, or the 1470 fossil ancestor? How do we know? Read my blog post to find out! #paleoanthropology #humanorigins #Homo
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”
Homo habilis: KNM-ER 1814 Skulls with Seth!
Today on this episode of Skulls with Seth, we will discuss the first of the Homo genus. Homo habilis! This is an enigmatic species that has caused a great deal of controversy surrounding it but has found itself safely nestled as the first of our genus. We will be examining the skull of KNM-ER 1813,Continue reading “Homo habilis: KNM-ER 1814 Skulls with Seth!”
World of Paleoanthropology 