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Context

• A series of significant discoveries made by researchers regarding the behavior and characteristics of Homo naledi, an extinct archaic human species.

Details

• Researchers have discovered evidence of burial and symbolic behaviors in Homo naledi, an archaic human species.
• These behaviors predate the earliest evidence of such practices in modern humans.
• The brain size of Homo naledi was approximately one-third the size of a modern human brain.
• The findings challenge previous assumptions that these behaviors were exclusive to larger-brained Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
• Three studies detailing the findings have been accepted for publication in the journal eLife.

Discovery of Homo Naledi:

• Fossils of Homo naledi were first found in the Rising Star cave system in South Africa in 2013.
• The cave system is part of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The extensive cave system has been explored by a team of researchers led by Dr. Lee Berger.
• Homo naledi shared some characteristics with humans but had smaller heads, shorter stature, and different physical features.

Burial Practices of Homo Naledi:

• Homo naledi remains, including adults and children, were found buried in the fetal position within cave depressions.
• The burials are older than any known Homo sapiens burials by at least 100,000 years.
• The burials indicate intentional burial practices by Homo naledi and challenge previous hypotheses.
• Evidence of graves and intentional burials includes ovals dug into cave surfaces and bodies placed inside.
• Horizontal burial sites dug into slopes further support deliberate burials.

Symbolic Carvings on Cave Walls:

• Researchers discovered symbols engraved on cave walls in the same cave system.
• The symbols, estimated to be between 241,000 and 335,000 years old, resemble geometric shapes and cross-hatchings.
• Similar symbols were previously associated with early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
• The carvings indicate that Homo naledi engaged in symbolic and meaning-making activities.
• The significance and purpose of the symbols are yet to be fully understood.

Challenges and Implications:

• The discoveries challenge previous notions about the uniqueness of certain behaviors in humans.
• Homo naledi's small brain size suggests that larger brains may not be the sole factor associated with complex behaviors.
• The findings raise questions about the timing of fire use, meaning-making, and burial practices in human evolutionary history.
• The implications of these findings extend to the reconstruction of human evolution.

Continuing Research:

• The research team is further exploring Homo naledi to determine the species' age and its relationship to humans.
• The work of Dr. Lee Berger and his team will be featured in a Netflix documentary and a book.
• The team aims to understand the chronological proximity of Homo naledi to humans and the potential preservation of DNA in the fossils.

About Homo Naledi

• Homo naledi, an extinct species of archaic humans, lived in southern Africa between 335,000 and 236,000 years ago.
• Discovery made in 2013 in the Rising Star cave system in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind.

Physical Characteristics:

• Small brain size, estimated to be about one-third the size of a modern human brain.
• Mix of primitive and modern traits.
• Human-like hands and feet, indicating complex manipulative abilities and upright walking.

Burial Behavior:

• Homo naledi exhibited intentional disposal of their dead within the cave system.
• Remains found in chamber-like structures, suggesting deliberate and repeated deposition.
• Previously associated with larger-brained species like Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Symbolic Behavior:

• Engraved symbols found on cave walls, estimated to be between 241,000 and 335,000 years old.
• Symbols include hashtag-like cross-hatchings and geometric shapes.
• Indicates engagement in meaning-making activities and challenges the uniqueness of symbolic behavior in larger-brained species.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In the context of recent revelations regarding early human burial practices, it can be safely said that they have a sense of history and record keeping for future generations. Comment. (250 words)

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/homo-naledi-long-lost-human-species-buried-their-dead-and-carved-cave-symbols-say-scientists-8648488/