Recent dredging operations off the coast of Java have uncovered fossil evidence that challenges current understanding of human ancestors’ mobility. The discoveries include two Homo erectus skull fragments, which are the first remains of this species to be found beneath the ocean between islands in Southeast Asia.
The finds suggest that the area now submerged by the sea was once connected landmass called Sundaland. During the last glacial period, around 140,000 years ago, falling sea levels formed what are now individual islands from a single plateau. This exposed terrain allowed early humans and animals to move across Southeast Asia.
Researchers found evidence of sophisticated hunting techniques, including bones with cut marks indicating meat extraction. The site’s ecological diversity also provided access to various food sources, such as river turtles and ancestral bovines. The discovery supports the idea that knowledge and techniques may have transferred between human species.
The newly analyzed remains highlight how Homo erectus represented a turning point in human evolution. They exhibited modern body traits, including larger bodies, longer legs, and shorter arms, which likely enhanced their hunting capabilities. Their brain size also increased, indicating cognitive complexity.
This discovery underscores the adaptability and geographical reach of early human populations during a transformative era in prehistory. The finds provide new insights into human mobility and evolution, shedding light on the species’ ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/05/human-civilization-vanished-beneath-ocean