Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Türkiye, revealing that human ancestors evolved not only in Africa but also in Europe. The fossil of Anadoluvius turkae, dated to 8.7 million years ago, challenges the long-held belief that humans originated solely in Africa. This find suggests that European apes played a significant role in our evolutionary history and provide new insights into the origins of human ancestors.
The discovery of Anadoluvius turkae sheds light on the diverse range of Mediterranean fossil apes, which were previously thought to be less common than believed. The ape is part of the earliest known group of hominins, which includes both African apes like chimpanzees and humans, as well as other fossil relatives.
Professor David Begun from the University of Toronto and Professor Ayla Sevim Erol from Ankara University led an international team of researchers who uncovered this significant find. The study’s findings suggest that hominines evolved in western and central Europe for over five million years before spreading to the eastern Mediterranean, likely due to changing environments and diminishing forests.
The fossil of Anadoluvius turkae includes a well-preserved partial cranium, which provided valuable insights into the ape’s anatomy. The study’s analysis shows that this fossil is one of the best-preserved specimens of early hominins found in Europe and Anatolia.
This discovery adds weight to the theory that human ancestors may have evolved in Europe before migrating to Africa between nine and seven million years ago. However, more fossils from Europe and Africa are needed to establish a clear connection between the two regions.
The study’s results highlight the importance of fossil sites outside of Africa and encourage scientists to revisit existing theories and consider new possibilities in the story of human origins. As researchers continue to analyze the fossil and search for more evidence, the story of Anadoluvius turkae will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of where we come from and how we evolved.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa