CBS News | Ancient skull reveals new clues in human evolution

December 9, 2013

(credit: CBS)

CBS News | A 1.8-million-year-old skull discovered by scientists in the Former Soviet Republic of Georgia reveals new evidence that may reshape what is known about human evolution.

The discovery of an ancient skull has revealed clues that could shake up the accepted theories of human evolution, it could rewrite the history of humanity.

Instead of many branches in our evolutionary family tree thought to lead to us, like Homo habilis or Homo ergaster they may all have just been one, Homo erectus.

In paleoanthropology scientists are measuring individuals in order to make conclusions about whole populations, or a whole species. Jim Axelrod reports.

related reading:
The New York Times | “Skull fossil suggests simpler human lineage
CNN | “Rare skull sparks human evolution controversy
National Geographic | “Beautiful skull spurs debate on human history

“Instead of many branches in our evolutionary family tree thought to lead to us, like Homo habilis or Homo ergaster they may all have just been one, Homo erectus.” (credit: CBS)