An Ancestor to Call Our Own
Controversial new fossils could bring scientists closer than ever to the origin of humanity
Volume 13, Issue 2s
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Features
Early Hominid Fossils from Africa
A new species of Australopithecus, the ancestor of Homo, pushes back the origins of bipedalism to some four million years ago
Once we were not Alone
Today we take for granted that Homo Sapiens is the only Hominid on Earth. Yet for at least four million years many Hominid species shared the planet. what makes us different?
Who were the Neandertals?
Controversial evidence indicates that these hominids interbred with anatomically modern humans and sometimes behaved in surprisingly modern ways
Out of Africa Again... and Again?
Africa is the birthplace of humanity. But how many human species evolved there? And when did they emigrate?
The Multiregional Evolution of Humans
Both fossil and genetic evidence argues that ancient ancestors of various human groups lived where they are found today
The Recent African Genesis of Humans
Genetic studies reveal that an African woman from less than 200,000 years ago was our common ancestor
Food for Thought
Dietary Change Was a driving force in human evolution
Skin Deep
Throughout the world, human skin color has evolved to be dark enough to prevent sunlight from destroying the nutrient folate but light enough to foster the production of vitamin D
The Evolution of Human Birth
The difficulties of childbirth have probably challenged humans and their ancestors for millions of years-- which means that the modern custom of seeking assistance during delivery may have similarly ancient roots
Once were Cannibals
Clear evidence of cannibalism in the human fossil record has been rare, but it is now becoming apparent that the practice is deeply rooted in our history