A global group of anthropologists, archaeologists, and geoscientists has
discovered evidence that strongly implies the baby jawbone discovered in the
Ethiopian highlands belonged to a Homo erectus youngster. The team used a
variety of tests in their study, which was published in the journal Science,
to determine the actual nature of the fossil.
A second team of researchers discovered the jawbone for the first time in
1981 at the Garba IV excavation site in the Ethiopian highlands; it was
later dubbed Little Garba. Numerous organizations have examined the fossil
throughout time to determine the individual's species. The genus Homo was
determined to contain it, however there was no clear consensus.
The scientists working on this new project used synchrotron imaging on the
teeth to identify the species and then compared the results with those of
other hominin species. This indicated that Homo erectus was the closest
match.
The jawbone is one of the oldest known Homo erectus fossils ever
discovered. Previous studies had revealed that the sediment strata in which
it was discovered were around 2 million years old, indicating that Little
Garba lived around 2 million years ago.
Subsequently, the study team focused on the stone tools discovered at the
same level at the excavation site. They discovered what they refer to as an
advanced transition from Oldowan to Acheulean implements. Previous studies
had shown that Little Garba's age, about 2 million years ago, corresponded
with the development of such tools.
The data gathered at the Garba IV site leads the researchers to the
conclusion that after Homo erectus populations arrived in the highlands,
they had to adjust to the local climate and thinner air (Garba IV is located
2,000 meters above sea level). This entailed making improvements to their
weapons and equipment so they could not only kill local animals but also
prepare it for use as food and fuel in the colder highlands.
