An international group of researchers led by the University of Winnipeg paleoanthropologist Dr. Mirjana Roksandich announced the discovery of a new species of ancient people, Homo bodoensis.
The new species was named – Homo bodoensis, it lived during the Middle Pleistocene – 774,000-129,000 years ago. Until now, paleontologists do not know exactly how evolution took place during this period. But it is very important for science, since it was in this time period that our species began to flourish – Homo sapiens and Neanderthals – Homo neanderthalensis.
The authors of the new work stated that the new species is the direct ancestor of modern humans and proposed a new classification, according to which, most of the finds of Homo from Africa and some from Southeastern Europe should be attributed to Homo bodoensis. Previously, scientists attributed these fossils to Homo heidelbergensis, or to Homo rhodesiensis.
It became impossible to talk about human evolution during this period of time due to the lack of proper terminology that recognizes the geographical differences of a person.
Mirjana Roksandich, doctor and paleoanthropologist at the University of Winnipeg
The researchers analyzed DNA and found that some of the fossils found in Europe, which were previously attributed to H. heidelbergensis, were in fact Neanderthals.
Paleontologists decided to sort out this confusion and in a new work published an argument in favor of the fact that the new species – Homo bodoensis – is different from Neanderthals.
According to the proposed classification, H. bodoensis is the majority of the people of the Middle Pleistocene who lived in Africa and Southeastern Europe, and most of the species that inhabited Europe will be classified as Neanderthals.
In science, terms should be clear to facilitate communication. They should not be considered absolute if they contradict the fossil record.
Predrag Radovic, Fellow at the University of Belgrade.
