Scientists in Spain have unearthed fossilized facial bones, believed to belong to a previously unknown human ancestor. The 1.1-1.4 million-year-old “Pink” fossil is the oldest face discovered in Western Europe. Found at the Atapuerca archaeological site in northern Spain, Pink’s upper jawbone and partial cheekbone are significantly more primitive than those of Homo antecessor, which inhabited Western Europe around 850,000 years ago.
The discovery was made by a team led by Rosa Huguet from the University of Rovira i Virgili. Researchers believe Pink bears some resemblance to Homo erectus, an archaic human species that lived around 2 million years ago and is now extinct. The incomplete fossils do not provide conclusive evidence that Pink belonged to a previously unknown ancient human species, but the possibility cannot be ruled out.
The find has sparked excitement among scientists, who say it introduces a new actor in the history of human evolution in Europe. With this discovery, Pink takes its place as the oldest face in Western Europe, challenging our understanding of human migration and development in the region.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/spain-scientists-uncover-oldest-face-in-western-europe/a-71907278