In 2013, explorers entered the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa and discovered remains from at least 15 Homo naledi individuals—adults, children, and infants. The chamber lay 30m below the surface, 80m from the nearest entrance, in complete darkness. No tools, hearths, or food remains were found. This was not a living space. 🕳️
Rising Star Cave discovery of 15 Homo naledi individuals
EgyptGeneral
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Key facts
- In 2013, explorers entered the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa
- The fossil chamber is located 30m below surface and 80m from the nearest entrance
- Remains from at least 15 individuals were recovered from the same confined space
- The chamber contained adults, children, and infants
- No tools, hearths, or food remains were found - it was not a living space
- The chamber is in complete darkness (the 'dark zone') and required navigating passages as narrow as 20cm
Sources
newscientist.com
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sciencefocus.com
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in-africa.org
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elifesciences.org
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elifesciences.org
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