New Research Data Points to Gradual Human Evolution

A. afarensis and A. sediba. The latter species are thought to be two of the best current candidates for being a direct ancestor, based on the study. The strongest model, according to Young, demonstrated “perfect immediate forms” between modern humans and African apes, suggesting that humanity shifted quite gradually from arboreal (tree dwelling creatures) into tool-using land-dwellers. These conclusions support the hypothesis that there was a final, African ape like common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees. For more information: www.pnas.org Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user: Delphine Bruyere]]>