New human relative found! Homo Naledi!

[Multiply]

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"There is no damage from predators, there is no sign of a catastrophe. We had to come to the inevitable conclusion that Homo naledi, a non-human species of hominid, was deliberately disposing of its dead in that dark chamber. Why, we don't know," Berger told CNN."Until the moment of discovery of 'naledi,' I would have probably said to you that it was our defining character. The idea of burial of the dead or ritualized body disposal is something utterly uniquely human."
Standing at the entrance to the cave this week, Berger said: "We have just encountered another species that perhaps thought about its own mortality, and went to great risk and effort to dispose of its dead in a deep, remote, chamber right behind us."
"It absolutely questions what makes us human. And I don't think we know anymore what does."

This is a very interesting find. What do you guys think about it.

 

[Agent Phrank]

Berger put out a call on social media for skinny scientists and cavers who could fit through the tiny chute and bring up the bones.

Another reason why obesity is a problem.

- - - - - - - - - -
OT:

Thanks to Based Berger and his crew for this amazing discovery.

Naledi's brain was no bigger than an orange, scientists say. Its hands are superficially human-like, but the finger bones are locked into a curve -- a trait that suggests climbing and tool-using capabilities

The team believes that the chamber, located 30 meters underground in the Cradle of Humanity world heritage site, was a burial ground -- and that Homo naledi could have used fire to light the way.

Capable of handling fire? Nice.

They're still undergoing tests:

The first undisputed human burial dates to some 100,000 years ago, but because Berger's team hasn't yet been able to date naledi's fossils, they aren't clear how significant their theory is.

Berger says their discovery raises haunting questions about our deep past, and about our very identity. Many mysteries remain, and other scientists may well challenge some of the team's controversial conclusions.

Spooky.

"The chamber has not given up all its secrets," Berger says. "There are potentially hundreds if not thousands of remains of Homo naledi still down there."

The team claims to have uncovered remains of at some 15 distinct individuals, but say this is only the beginning.

So this is one of many of their excavation sites and they've already identified ~15 bodies.

Awesome finding 10/10

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

I was literally just reading about it.

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

It confused me though. I thought homo sapiens were the only ones known as humans so I search up more shit only to be more confused.

 

[Natsu Shazneel]

It looks like a monster.

 

[Agent Phrank]

It confused me though. I thought homo sapiens were the only ones known as humans so I search up more shit only to be more confused.

Is there anything specific that's confusing?

- - - - -

It's a matter of taxonomic classification (From Domain to Species)

The word human is derived from Homo- meaning "man, human being"

It is a Genus-

Members of this Genus:

Homo Sapien sapien (that would be us)
Homo rhodesiensis
Homo neanderthalis

So technically, these are all humans- and of course, we all share a common ancestor.

Hope that clarifies it.

This image might also help:

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Notice (red box)where the first "Homo" begins.

Also note that this picture may need to be updated if OP's findings are confirmed.
Second note: Taxonomy is rapidly evolving subject. (pun non-intended) There's a lot of disagreement regarding classifications from the highest to the lowest orders so don't take any of this too seriously.

 

[Disquiet]

This is awesome.

I never knew the scientific community thought that was something unique to humans though. I always looked at it as something that can potentially arise in any life of a higher consciousness. I thought evolution of life was a backdrop into our imagining what advanced alien life and society would be like on other planets. I wouldn't be surprised if aliens buried their dead, let alone another species on our home planet doing the same. To be honest, I'm kinda disappointed at that, come on scientists, seriously? Though to be fair, this is just an article, and it's not like the guy that said that is the spokesperson for the scientific community.

I can see the implications about what may be universal in the development of consciousness though.

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

Is there anything specific that's confusing?

- - - - -

It's a matter of taxonomic classification (From Domain to Species)

The word human is derived from Homo- meaning "man, human being"

It is a Genus-

Members of this Genus:

Homo Sapien sapien (that would be us)
Homo rhodesiensis
Homo neanderthalis

So technically, these are all humans- and of course, we all share a common ancestor.

Hope that clarifies it.

This image might also help:

You must be registered for see images

Notice (red box)where the first "Homo" begins.

Also note that this picture may need to be updated if OP's findings are confirmed.
Second note: Taxonomy is rapidly evolving subject. (pun non-intended) There's a lot of disagreement regarding classifications from the highest to the lowest orders so don't take any of this too seriously.

Thanks, the image helped.

What's the paranthopus though?

 

[Ripple Hole]

That escalated quickly.

A large brain is the sine qua non of humanness, the hallmark of a species that has evolved to live by its wits. These were not human beings. These were pinheads, with some humanlike body parts.

Insulting as hell. U_U

 

[Agent Phrank]

That escalated quickly.

Insulting as hell. U_U

Originally Posted by

You must be registered for see links

A large brain is the sine qua non of humanness, the hallmark of a species that has evolved to live by its wits. These were not human beings. These were pinheads, with some humanlike body parts.

Scientists can have a horrible sense of humor.

Thanks, the image helped.

What's the paranthopus though?

Hominid lineage isn't complete so some of these "species" will be just given a Genus. (The issue with missing links)
Usually due to lack of data - ie: DNA, bones

According to its classification:

Members of this genus are characterised by robust craniodental anatomy, including gorilla-like sagittal cranial crests, which suggest strong muscles of mastication, and broad, grinding herbivorous teeth.

Its discovery:

A partial cranium and mandible of Paranthropus robustus was discovered in 1938 by a schoolboy, Gert Terblanche, at Kromdraai B (70 km south west of Pretoria) in South Africa.

And no surprise:

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins notes "perhaps several different species" of robust hominids, and "as usual their affinities, and the exact number of species, are hotly disputed. Names that have been attached to various of these creatures...are Australopithecus (or Paranthropus) robustus, Australopithecus (or Paranthropus or Zinjanthropus) boisei, and Australopithecus (or Paranthropus) aethiopicus."[1]

Opinions differ whether the species P. aethiopicus, P. boisei and P. robustus should be included within the genus Australopithecus. The emergence of the robusts could be either a display of divergent or convergent evolution. There is currently no consensus in the scientific community whether P. aethiopicus, P. boisei and P. robustus should be placed into a distinct genus.

So they're undecided as to whether Paranthopus should be considered it's own genus or a part of a different.


Lots of plotholes.

 

[sagemode07]

I didn't think burial defined humans.... Oh well
I think being human is a combination of many things, not just one characteristic, that's silly in my opinion

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

I didn't think burial defined humans.... Oh well
I think being human is a combination of many things, not just one characteristic, that's silly in my opinion

It doesn't but only humans do it so it's still fascinating to hear that others did it as well.

 

[Multiply]

I didn't think burial defined humans.... Oh well
I think being human is a combination of many things, not just one characteristic, that's silly in my opinion

Well what else do only humans do? Enlighten us :lol.

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

I still think that the way they concluded that these guys have burials like us is a stretch.

 

[FreakensteinAG]

Not only am I proud that paleontologists found another species of an intelligent ancestor, but proud that several people within the Narutobase community are learned about Evolution and Biology in general. Good on you for being educated people!

 

[Multiply]

I still think that the way they concluded that these guys have burials like us is a stretch.

Why do you say that? Where they were suggests they were buried there.

 

[FreakensteinAG]

I still think that the way they concluded that these guys have burials like us is a stretch.

It may be difficult when excavating and viewing the contents, but organisms which aren't buried are usually left in obtuse positions with limbs left scattered, broken, and other variables. But in burial, the whole organism is left (plus or minus injuries) and were placed in an orderly, delicate position. When comparing these burials to burials of ancient humans, they are similar. This of course leaves out the variables of battles, where organisms are left where they died, usually holding a weapon and splayed apart.

 

[Pumpkin Ninja]

Why do you say that? Where they were suggests they were buried there.

Well, their conclusion came because it didn't seem like other animals brought them there, or water, either. It's a little bit of a stretch.

It may be difficult when excavating and viewing the contents, but organisms which aren't buried are usually left in obtuse positions with limbs left scattered, broken, and other variables. But in burial, the whole organism is left (plus or minus injuries) and were placed in an orderly, delicate position. When comparing these burials to burials of ancient humans, they are similar. This of course leaves out the variables of battles, where organisms are left where they died, usually holding a weapon and splayed apart.

Makes sense. But when you say compared to ancient humans you mean homo sapiens right? I'm still a little confused with this stuff.

 

[Bronze]

A closer step to prove God's existence!

 

[patrickscott]

To be honest I thought Government officials would try to hide it.