Surprising face of 1.5M-year-old Homo erectus sheds new light on early human diversity

ISTANBUL

Scientists have digitally reconstructed the face of a 1.5-million-year-old Homo erectus fossil from Ethiopia, revealing features that are more primitive than previously thought and challenging established views on early human evolution.

The fossil, known as DAN5, was discovered at the Gona site in Ethiopia’s Afar region and dates back around 1.5- 1.6 million years, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Nature.

An international research team led by paleoanthropologist Karen Baab from Midwestern University, near Chicago, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to reconstruct the face by combining facial fragments with an earlier-described braincase.

Researchers say the reconstruction shows a surprising mix of traits. While the braincase aligns with classic Homo erectus characteristics, the face and teeth resemble much older human ancestors. This combination suggests that early Homo erectus populations were more anatomically diverse than long assumed.

According to the scientists, the findings raise new questions about the origins and early history of Homo erectus. The primitive facial features may indicate that some African populations retained ancestral traits long after the species began spreading across the continent and into Eurasia.

The study also highlights the importance of Ethiopia’s Gona region, which has yielded some of the oldest hominin fossils and stone tools ever found. The DAN5 individual is associated with both simple Oldowan tools and early Acheulian handaxes, pointing to technological flexibility among early humans.