Q2

Question 2

Digital Literacy and Information Fluency

The introduction of Homo naledi as a new species of human relative has raised a myriad of questions regarding our origins. For the Rising Star Expedition team, led by Professor Lee Berger from the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University, the search for human origins is “one that celebrates all of humankind’s common origins on the continent of Africa”. “The science is not asking questions of religion nor challenging anyone’s belief systems, its simply exploring the fossil evidence for the origins of our species. We, as scientists, are encouraging everyone who wants to understand more about the fascinating evolution of our species to read our research, “Berger said. To do this, the scientists are applying the principle of open access, the unrestricted online access to research. The research has been published in the open access journal, eLife, where anyone can access the scientific papers. The public can also see the #naledifossils for free while it is on display at the Maropeng Visitor’s Centre in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, 50km northwest of Johannesburg, until 11 October 2015.

About Homo Naledi

How do you know that this is a new species?

The unusual combination of characters that we see in the Homo naledi skulls and skeletons is unlike anything that we have seen in other early hominid species. It shares some features with australopiths (like Sediba, Lucy, Mrs Ples and the Taung Child), some features with Homo (the genus that includes Humans, Neanderthals and some other extinct species such as erectus), and shows some features that are uniquely to it, thus it represents something entirely new to science.   

How do you know it belongs on the genus Homo?

The brain of H. naledi is small; similar to what we see in australopiths, but the shape of the skull is most similar to specimens of Homo. For instance, it has distinct brow ridges, weak postorbital constriction (narrowing of the cranium behind the orbits), widely spaced temporal lines (attachments for chewing muscles), and a gracile set of jaws with small teeth, alongside a whole host of other anatomical details that make it appear most similar to specimens of Homo. Also, the legs, feet and hands have several features that are similar to Homo.

Do these fossils prove that humans originated in South Africa?

While a South African origin for human is certainly possible, we may never be able to prove where humans originated. We are limited to finding fossils where they were preserved, not necessarily across the whole area that human ancestors existed when they were alive. Here’s what we know: H. naledi existed in South Africa, and some spectacular traces of their passing that we are only now coming to grips with.

What ages of individuals are represented in the Dinaledi Chamber?

Approximate ages for each of the individuals can be established from the teeth found in the collection. The youngest individual died near or at the time of birth, the oldest was an old adult individual with extremely worn teeth. Out of the 15 individuals found so far, eight were children of various ages and five definitely adults, with two either young adults or older adolescents.