Ethiopia Fossils Reveal Unknown Human Relative

Fossilized teeth discovered in Ethiopia, dating back 2.65 million years, reveal a new species of Australopithecus, according to a study in Nature. The findings come from the Afar region and include teeth from two individuals.

The discoveries indicate that the new species lived during the same period as other species of the genus Australopithecus, including A.afarensis (the famous "Lucy"). Teeth from the genus Homo, dating back 2.59 million years, were also found in the same area.

The coexistence of the two genera suggests possible competition and offers new insights into human evolution. According to Brian Villmoare, human evolution was not a slow, linear process, but a branching of multiple species.

Researchers estimate that at least seven hominins lived in East Africa at the same time.