Twins were the norm for our ancient primate ancestors − one baby at a time had evolutionary advantages
Twins have been rare in human history and can seem special for that reason. Our recent research suggests that twins were actually the norm further back in primate evolution.
Fossilized footprints reveal two extinct hominin species living side by side 1.5 million years ago
New research reveals fossil footprints that record two different species of hominins walking along the same Kenyan lakeshore at the same time, roughly 1.5 million years ago.
A fossil tooth places enigmatic ancient humans in Southeast Asia
An international team of researchers has discovered a tooth belonging to a Denisovan, an ancient human species previously only known from icy northern latitudes.
Ancient DNA helps reveal social changes in Africa that shaped the human story
An interdisciplinary team has sequenced and analyzed the oldest ancient DNA from Africa. This new research gives insights into the lives, movements, and relations of people who lived in Africa between 18,000 and 5,000 years ago.
Turbulent environment set the stage for leaps in human evolution and technology 320,000 years ago
People thrive all across the globe, at every temperature, altitude and landscape. How did human beings become so successful at adapting to whatever environment we wind up in? Human origins researchers like me are interested in how this quintessential human trait, adaptability, evolved.