Ancient Skull In Georgia Gives Glimpse Of Human Evolution
October 17, 2013 20:12 GMT
By RFE/RL
The discovery of a 1.8-million-year-old skull in the Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia is giving researchers new insights into early human evolution.
The fossil -- found buried beneath the site of a medieval village about 93 kilometers southwest of Tbilisi -- is the most complete pre-human skull uncovered.
Along with partial remains previously found at the rural site, researchers say it provides the earliest evidence of human ancestors moving out of Africa and spreading north to the rest of the world.
Together, the fossils reveal a population of pre-humans of various sizes living at the same time -- something scientists had not seen before for such an ancient era.
The discovery was described by an article in the journal "Science," which was published on October 17.
With reporting by AP
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