Experts Find 'New Species Of Human Relative'

Scientists in South Africa say they have found "a new species of human relative" after the discovery of fossils in a cave.


The creature, named Homo Naledi, is described as having a surprising mix of human and primitive characteristics, according to paleoanthropologist John Hawks.
Mr Hawks added that the being may be an early member of the evolutionary group including today's humans and our closest extinct relatives.
Homo Naledi was discovered in the Cradle of Humankind, about 40 kilometres west of Johannesburg, and it is thought the find will shake up the evolutionary tree, as the species could have displayed behaviour that has thus far only been seen in humans and Neanderthals.
Scientists involved in the research say the 1,550 fossils come from at least 15 individuals but their age is unknown and that makes it hard to know how important the discovery is.
Professor Lee Berger of Wits University, who led the team that made the discovery, said: "What we have is a tall hominid, between 1.45 and 1.5 metres tall, was very skinny, had powerful joint muscles and had a brain about the size of my fist."

SKY