HomeTechnologyFossil hotspots in Africa, a missing link in evolution

Fossil hotspots in Africa, a missing link in evolution

New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) Only a few locations in Africa are home to the majority of the early human fossil record, where ideal geological circumstances have preserved a wealth of fossils that biologists have used to piece together the evolution of humans, yet it is not a complete picture.

The eastern branch of the East African Rift System, which has significant fossil sites like Tanzania’s Oldupai Gorge, is one of these hotspots for fossils.

However, given that the eastern branch of the rift system only comprises about one per cent of Africa’s landmass, it is easy to calculate the amount of information that scientists who rely on samples this small are missing.

Researchers from George Washington University demonstrate in a recent study that was published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, how much our understanding of human evolution is skewed by the concentration of sites in hotspots like the East African Rift System and why early human history interpretations must take this bias into consideration.

W Andrew Barr and Bernard Wood at the varsity found that the fossil record is systematically biased, and that only a small number of medium and large-bodied mammals are “rift specialists.”

This means that the rift environment represents only 1.6 per cent of the total geographic range of modern mammal species, highlighting the need for adjusting interpretations.

They further say that skulls from the Rift Valley represent less than 50 per cent of the total variation among primate skulls in Africa.

This is despite the fact that the rift represents only a small sample of where ancient humans likely lived.

“We must avoid falling into the trap of coming up with what looks like a comprehensive reconstruction of the human story, when we know we don’t have all of the relevant evidence. Imagine trying to capture the social and economic complexity of Washington DC if you only had access to information from one neighbourhood. It helps if you can get a sense of how much information is missing,” says Wood.

The study suggests that while modern mammals can provide clues about the environments and physical differences of ancient humans, they cannot provide a comprehensive reconstruction of the human story.

The researchers also suggest that the scientific community should look beyond the rift to identify new fossil sites and expand the geographic range of the fossil record.

–IANS

ts/rad

Go to Source

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.

Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.

If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -

Most Popular