South Africa: Early human skin found on 2 million-year-old fossils
South Africa: Early human skin found on 2 million-year-old fossils
By Yasmin Kaye
May 9, 2015 17:52 BST
Anthropologists say they have discovered human skin belonging to 2 million year-old fossils in the remains of six ancient skeletons found in South Africa.
The tissue is thought to be from the species Australopithecus sediba, thought to be an early human ancestor that has a mix of primitive and more advanced features.
It is a transitional species between Australopithecus species – the first species to walk upright – and early Homo species, of which humankind is the latest form.
The discovery may be the oldest skin ever found, and could even hold the key to valuable details about early humans' lives. Organic materials including the remains of their last meals were found between their teeth, potentially giving an insight into their diet.
More:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/south-africa-early-human-skin-found-2-million-year-old-fossils-1500528