1.5 million year old footprints reveal surprising pre-human interactions

Researchers have discovered ancient footprints in Kenya dating back 1.5 million years, which indicate the coexistence of two different Prehuman species indicate. The tracks found on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana were analyzed by a team led by paleoanthropologist Kevin Hatala and published in the journal “Science” published.

According to Hatala, the tracks prove that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei lived in the region at the same time and may have met. “I assume that the two species were aware of each other’s existence in this landscape and probably recognized each other as ‘other,'” Hatala said “Living science“.

Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei live in the same region at the same time

The eight-meter-long track consists of twelve footprints from P. boisei and three from H. erectus. The researchers use 3D imaging techniques to analyze the differences between the footprints.

“The stability of the big toe is key to people’s ability to walk and run without foot problems,” Zach Throckmorton of Colorado State University told Live Science. H. erectus showed modern, human-like footprints, while P. boisei left flatter footprints with a slightly splayed big toe.

Traces can indicate a possible interaction

Jeremy DeSilva, who was not involved in the study, added: “This research means we now know with certainty that these two different species of hominins not only lived at the same time, but also shared the new landscape.”

Live Science reported that the tracks indicate a possible interaction, similar to that of today’s chimpanzees and gorillas. Kevin Hatala concludes: “It’s fascinating to think about what she thought when they saw each other and how they interacted with each other.”

A study published in the journal L’Anthropologie analyzed 17 Neanderthal and 15 Homo sapiens burials from western Asia. Both groups place items such as antlers and shells in the graves. “They buried both men and women, babies, children and the elderly,” says Ella Been of Tel Aviv University.

There are differences in the burial locations and positions. Neanderthals buried their dead in caves, while Homo sapiens buried them outside or under cave entrances. Homo sapiens often laid their dead in the fetal position, while Neanderthals chose different positions.