Secrets of the Pit of the Bones
Article Abstract:
The discovery in the Sima de los Huesos in Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain, of the fossilized remains of hominids who lived some 300,000 years ago is reported. Debates on the European fossil record have mostly focused on the interface between Neanderthals and early modern humans during the Late Pleistocene about 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. The Middle Pleistocene finds in Atapuerca promise to unravel information regarding the earliest appearance of Homo erectus, how far the lineage of the Neanderthals can be traced and whether there are other species between Homo erectus and the Neanderthals.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Three new human skulls from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site in Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain
Article Abstract:
The discovery of three fossil hominid skulls at Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain, in Jul 1992 is reported. The hominid skulls were found in the Sima de los Huesos, a Middle Pleistocene cave site, and are estimated to be at least 300,000 years old. The cranial samples fit the archaic Homo sapiens group but are distinct from the Asian Homo erectus group. The Atapuerca fossil hominid collection is so far the most complete sample of Middle Pleistocene hominids discovered in one site and are a significant contribution to understanding the stages of human evolution before the Neanderthals.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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A molecular handle on the Neanderthals: the sequencing of mitochondrial DNA from Neanderthal fossil bone is a terrific achievement
Article Abstract:
The sequencing of mitochondrial DNA from Neanderthal fossil bone has led to new data about the type-specimen Neanderthal skeleton found in the Neander Valley and described in 1857. It suggests that the Neanderthal divergence dates back to 555,000-690,000 years ago, and that the closest contemporary lineages to the sequence came from Africa. The results show that there was a period of about 500,000 years when Neanderthals and the line leading to modern humans evolved independently.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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