Ardipithecus Skeleton Offers New Clues to Human Evolution
Katie Cordrey — October 2, 2009 — World
References: nytimes
A 4.4 million-year-old fossilized skeleton of a hominid female nicknamed Ardi, short for Ardipithecus, could be the oldest hominid skeleton ever found. Up to now, Lucy--Australopithecus afarensis, a 3-million year old skeleton--was thought to be the oldest hominid skeleton known.
Since Darwin’s 'The Origin of Species' was published in 1859, scientists have been searching for the ‘missing link.’ In Darwin’s day, the assumption was that evolution was a straight line progression from ape to modern man. Since then, a number of discoveries have changed that view to one in which the evolutionary trail is like a tree with species branching from a main trunk.
Ardi further changes the postulation that humans evolved from a chimpanzee-like creature and asserts instead that chimps and humans evolved from a common ancestor.
Since Darwin’s 'The Origin of Species' was published in 1859, scientists have been searching for the ‘missing link.’ In Darwin’s day, the assumption was that evolution was a straight line progression from ape to modern man. Since then, a number of discoveries have changed that view to one in which the evolutionary trail is like a tree with species branching from a main trunk.
Ardi further changes the postulation that humans evolved from a chimpanzee-like creature and asserts instead that chimps and humans evolved from a common ancestor.
Trend Themes
1. Human Evolution - The discovery of Ardi challenges traditional theories about human evolution and offers new insights into our past.
2. Paleontological Discoveries - Continued exploration and excavation of ancient skeletons can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and reshape our understanding of human history.
3. Evolutionary Biology - Studying the evolutionary tree and branching of different species provides valuable information about the origins of humans and other species.
Industry Implications
1. Paleontology - The field of paleontology can make use of advanced techniques and technologies to uncover more ancient skeletons and unravel the mysteries of human evolution.
2. Scientific Research - Researchers in various scientific fields can collaborate to analyze and interpret the data from Ardi and other fossil finds, enhancing our knowledge of human evolutionary biology.
3. Museum and Education - Museums and educational institutions can incorporate the findings of Ardi into their exhibits and curriculum, offering visitors and students a more accurate understanding of human evolution.
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