An unknown species of hominin that lived 3.66 million years ago left its only trace of a few dozen footprints in the mud that volcanic ash quickly buried. Read more about these ancient footprints by clicking the link below.
Researchers know that all these animals, including the hominins that walked in all these groups, date to roughly the same period. Based on the sediment samples, it appears one eruption buried the ground in a layer of volcanic ash. Sometime after the first eruption, several hominins and several animals passed through muddy material in the Laetoli area, which then dried in a relatively short period of time.
Nonetheless, the theory was far from conclusive, and the lack of further evidence placed the question on the back-burner for decades.McNutt and her colleagues wanted to revisit this question, but couldn’t find the molds of the prints taken at site A decades earlier. Furthermore, 40 years of seasonal rain possibly destroyed the original trackway that was unmarked. But the team wanted to see if they could find them.
Once they uncovered the tracks, McNutt was immediately convinced an ancient bear didn’t leave the bipedal prints. But to be sure, she worked with Benjamin Kilham of the Kilham Bear Center in New Hampshire. The researchers worked with orphaned bears at the center awaiting reintroduction to the wild. They chose juveniles, whose feet roughly matched the size of those bipedal prints at site A, and had them walk upright through a mud track.
Furthermore, the evidence in these five prints shows that the individual was cross-stepping similar to the way models walk on runways. Bears and even chimps don’t have the balance to do this like humans, or our nearer ancestors, because of the shape of their hips and knees. McNutt says the strange pattern could reveal a child playing while walking, or someone slipping or falling. It could even mean the hominin had a unique gait.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man graduates Fordham 66 years after freshman yearOne of the great lessons of life is that you're never too old to learn, words that ring especially true for one graduate of Fordham University.
Read more »
Father, daughters diagnosed with rare stomach cancer within months of each otherThe family's nightmare began when their 16-year-old daughter began experiencing severe, mysterious stomach pains.
Read more »
Apartment with 2 unattended children burns in fire, Harris Co. Fire Marshal's Office saysThe child who started the fire is a 9-year-old who was left unattended with an 11-year-old, fire investigators say.
Read more »
Melvin Ingram Tailor Made For Dolphins’ Pass Rush Philosophies -The Dolphins are reportedly signing pass rusher Melvin Ingram and while you may think this doesn't quite move the needle on the surface, allow GrindingTheTape to take you in the weeds on his potential utilization. FrontOffice33 | FinsUp
Read more »
Explosion at Grand Terrace Middle schools leaves two students injured; 14-year-old student arrestedThe student was arrested after an explosion left two other students injured. No school property was reported to be damaged.
Read more »