Fossils discovered in South Africa may be oldest ancestors of human beings
September 9, 2011
Scientists in South Africa recently announced the findings of what many news sources are saying could be the "missing link" between man and apes. A few years ago, they uncovered fossils in the caves of Malapa, about 30 miles north-west of Johannesburg, that had similar brain, ankle and hand shapes to those of modern man, according to The Telegraph.
Until now, it was believed that our earliest ancestors were the Homo habilis or Homo rudolfensis fossils that were uncovered in East Africa. The scientists were recently able to pinpoint the age of the newest findings, and these remains are several thousand years older than the aforementioned Homo fossils.
"Without a doubt, these are the most complete skeletons of early humans that have ever been discovered, and quite literally we're going to have to rewrite some textbooks" Professor Lee Burger told the news source. "The many very advanced features found in the brain and body, and the earlier date, make it possibly the best candidate ancestor for our genus, the genus Homo."
People can use international calling cards to place calls to South Africa to talk to their friends and families about the discovery and its implications.
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