Scientists Reconstruct Habitat of Early Human Ancestors

Homo habilis and Paranthropus boisei, these two species were similar in that they had a rough lifespan of anywhere from three to four decades and a height of around 4.5 feet to 5.5 feet. However, the latter is thought to have been more heavyset and with a smaller brain capacity than Homo habilis. Scientists involved in the research feel that the two species were unlikely to have camped there, but instead used the cover of the nearby acacia and palm trees to feed off of the carcasses of either their own kills or those taken from other carnivores. When and where early human ancestors began eating more meat are crucial questions, as an increased amount of protein in the diet of hominins is thought to be one of the first indicators of an increase in brain size. The research study can be found online here Image courtesy of M.Lopez-Herrera via The Olduvai Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Project and Enrique Baquedano.]]>