Ancient Ape Skull Found in Turkey Challenges Belief in African Origins of Human Ancestors
A groundbreaking discovery of an ape skull in Turkey is challenging the long-held belief that human and ape ancestors originated exclusively in Africa. The partial skull, identified as Anadoluvius turkae, was unearthed in Cankiri, Turkey, and is estimated to be around 8.7 million years old.
Traditionally, early hominins, which encompass humans, African apes, and their fossil ancestors, were believed to have emerged in Africa roughly seven million years ago. However, the recent finding of the ape skull in Turkey raises the possibility that hominins might have first evolved in Europe.
According to a recent study published in Communications Biology, researchers suggest that the hominin species spent over five million years evolving in western and central Europe before migrating to the eastern Mediterranean. From there, they eventually dispersed into Africa due to changing environments and diminishing forests. Professor David Begun, a paleoanthropologist from the University of Toronto and co-senior author of the study, stated that while this evidence supports the hypothesis, it does not definitively prove it. To establish a concrete link between Europe and Africa, additional fossils from both regions need to be discovered from the same time period.
The ape skull, found in 2015, provides valuable insight into the characteristics of the species. It is estimated that the ape weighed between 110 and 130 pounds, likely inhabited a dry forest, and spent a significant amount of time on the ground. The significance of the skull has recently been discussed in a research article published in Live Science.
While some scientists view this discovery as a potential turning point in our understanding of human origins, others remain skeptical. Professor Chris Stringer, a research leader in human evolution at the Natural History Museum in London, believes that the findings do not challenge our existing knowledge. According to him, the consensus remains that hominins originated in Africa from ape ancestors unlike any living species.
The debate surrounding the origins of humans and great apes is ongoing, but this recent discovery adds an intriguing twist to the discussion. With further investigation and the discovery of more fossils, scientists hope to shed light on the evolutionary path of our ancient ancestors.