Researchers have discovered the oldest human fossil in Western Europe in a cave in northern Spain, dating back between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years. The fossil, nicknamed “Pink,” represents an unknown human population and does not definitively belong to any known species, although it is tentatively linked to Homo erectus. The finding helps fill a gap in understanding human evolution in Europe, bridging the timeline between older fossils in Georgia and Homo antecessor. The discovery could provide insight into early human migration and evolution in Europe.
Pink was found alongside stone tools and animal bones with cut marks, suggesting early ancestors were butchering animals for meat. The archaeological site where Pink was discovered has a rich historical record, indicating multiple waves of human settlement followed by periods of contraction and population decline. Evidence suggests that the species Pink belonged to may have overlapped with Homo antecessor and could have been wiped out by a climactic shift around 1.1 million years ago.
The discovery of Pink adds to the impressive collection of fossils found at the Atapuerca site in Spain, likely due to the region’s geography and abundance of resources. Researchers continue to excavate the site in search of more surprises and insights into the early history of human ancestors in Europe.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
