Researchers in northern Spain have discovered fossilized face pieces believed to be the oldest human fossil in Western Europe, estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old. Dubbed “Pink,” the fragments do not match any known species in the region, leading to speculation that Pink is related to Homo erectus. The discovery fills a gap in human evolution between 1.8-million-year-old fossils in Georgia and Homo antecessor 900,000 years ago. The finding sheds light on early human settlement in Europe and how populations may have expanded and contracted over time.
Pink was found at the Sierra de Atapuerca archaeological site, along with stone tools and butchered animal bones suggesting early human activity. The study indicates that Pink’s species may have overlapped with Homo antecessor before disappearing around 1.1 million years ago due to a climatic shift. The region’s rich fossil record may stem from the area’s geography as a natural corridor with abundant resources.
The discovery is significant for understanding early human evolution and migration patterns in Europe, with the potential for more surprises as excavation continues. This newfound population adds to the complex history of human settlement in Western Europe, providing insights into anatomical changes and potential extinction events that shaped the region’s prehistory.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
