Post by L Roebuck on Feb 5, 2007 23:43:38 GMT -5
European research uncovers clues to earliest Europeans
European researchers have unearthed pieces of a skull belonging to one of the earliest Europeans known to exist. An archaeological team co-chaired by Professor Joao Zilhao of the University of Bristol discovered the cranial fragments in a cave in Romania, which is known to contain specimens dating back to the beginning of modern humans’ time in Europe. Researchers were surprised to discover that the 40 000 year-old skull contains features attributed both to modern humans and Neanderthals, suggesting interbreeding between the two species. Their findings were recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (US).
Professor Zilhao, accompanied by Professor Erik Trinkaus of Washington University (US), led a team of European researchers studying the population dynamics of modern humans, as they advanced into Europe. The research team was exploring the Peçtera cu Oase, or the Cave with Bones, in southwestern Romania, when they came across the important find.
Full Article
European researchers have unearthed pieces of a skull belonging to one of the earliest Europeans known to exist. An archaeological team co-chaired by Professor Joao Zilhao of the University of Bristol discovered the cranial fragments in a cave in Romania, which is known to contain specimens dating back to the beginning of modern humans’ time in Europe. Researchers were surprised to discover that the 40 000 year-old skull contains features attributed both to modern humans and Neanderthals, suggesting interbreeding between the two species. Their findings were recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (US).
Professor Zilhao, accompanied by Professor Erik Trinkaus of Washington University (US), led a team of European researchers studying the population dynamics of modern humans, as they advanced into Europe. The research team was exploring the Peçtera cu Oase, or the Cave with Bones, in southwestern Romania, when they came across the important find.
Full Article