Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery off the coast of Indonesia, finding evidence of an ancient human ancestor, Homo erectus, buried under the sea for over 140,000 years. The skull and fossils of 36 species, including Komodo dragons and elephants, were discovered in the Madura Strait, providing rare insight into ancient human life.
The site, located between Java and Madura islands, is believed to be the first physical evidence of the lost world, Sundaland, a vast tropical plain that once connected Southeast Asia. The discovery was made by maritime sand miners in 2011 but took years for experts to establish their age and species.
The fossils were found in layers of silt and sand, which indicated a thriving river ecosystem during the late Middle Pleistocene era. The sediment analysis revealed a buried valley system from the ancient Solo River, which once flowed eastward across the now-submerged Sunda Shelf.
Homo erectus was a major turning point in human evolution, characterized by taller, more muscular bodies and longer legs. The discovery of two Homo erectus skull fragments confirmed the Madura Strait fossils as belonging to this species, expanding its known range into the now-submerged Sundaland region.
The team also found fossils of an extinct genus of large herbivorous mammals similar to modern elephants and various types of deer remains, indicating a diverse and healthy population. These finds provide significant insight into ancient human life and adaptation in response to environmental changes.
The study highlights the vital role submerged landscapes play in tracing human evolution and migration across Southeast Asia. With advances in underwater exploration technology, scientists hope to uncover more lost chapters of human history hidden beneath the sea.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14744379/Hidden-city-built-140-000-years-ago-discovered-bottom-ocean.html