Homo naledi's small brain and mosaic anatomy. Homo naledi had a brain volume of 465-610 cm³, less than half a modern human brain The brain size is firmly within the range of chimpanzees Despite small brain, hands show long thumbs, strong muscles, and precision grip capability
Homo naledi had a brain less than half the size of modern humans, with a volume of 465-610 cm³—above typical chimpanzee range (350-400 cm³) but well below modern humans (~1400 cm³). Yet their hands had precision grip capability, feet built for upright walking, and fingers long and curved for climbing. A striking mosaic of primitive and advanced anatomical traits. 🧠
Key Facts
- Homo naledi had a brain volume of 465-610 cm³, less than half a modern human brain
- The brain size is firmly within the range of chimpanzees
- Despite small brain, hands show long thumbs, strong muscles, and precision grip capability
- Feet are surprisingly modern, built for upright walking and long-distance bipedal travel
- Shoulders are primitive, positioned higher for climbing
- Fingers are long and curved, suggesting lifelong climbing behavior
- The species represents a mosaic of primitive and advanced traits
- Brain shape shows frontal regions similar to other Homo species associated with planning and social behavior
Related site: Rising Star Cave — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: We Found a Human Species That Shouldn’t Exist by Michael Button