Scientists recently found Western Europe’s oldest human face, dating back 1.1 to 1.4 million years. They found the fossil, nicknamed ‘Pink‘, in a cave in Spain called Sima del Elefante. Researchers think it might be a special kind of early Homo erectus relative.
The discovery of Pink challenges the usual timeline of how humans evolved in Europe.
The broken remains include parts of a face and two teeth. They also found stone tools and animal bones with cut marks. By studying changes in the soil’s magnetic fields and the tools’ surroundings, experts think early humans were good at surviving. These changes might also show why Pink’s group no longer exists.
Pink’s features are quite different from the Homo antecessor species known before.
This find helps us understand more about Europe’s first people. The environment re-creations show that the Iberian Peninsula once had lots of resources, making it a good place for early humans. But, sudden climate changes made life hard. Researchers say more studies are needed to confirm what group Pink belonged to and what it means for how humans evolved. This will help us be sure of these findings.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points: Scientists found Pink, the oldest human face in Western Europe, in a cave in Spain. This incredible find pushes back our understanding of where early humans like Homo erectus came from!
Final Thoughts: Discoveries like Pink’s remind us that history is full of surprises, giving us a peek into our *ancient* past.
