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New fossil found: Homo naledi

The discovery of a new species of human relative was announced on 10 September by the University of the Witwatersrand, the National Geographic Society, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF). Besides shedding light on the origins and diversity of our genus, the new species, Homo naledi appears to have deposited bodies of its dead in a remote cave chamber intentionally, behaviour previously thought limited to humans.

September 10, 2015

Less than a minute

Homo naledi discovery media preview with Prof. Lee Berger et al; Wits University's Evolutionary Sciences Institute & Rising Star cave, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 7 September 2015 - Photo by Brett Eloff.

Homo naledi.

Homo naledi discovery media preview with Prof. Lee Berger et al; Wits University’s Evolutionary Sciences Institute & Rising Star cave, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 7 September 2015 – Photo by Brett Eloff.

Crania lateral.

Mandible occlusal.

Homo naledi hand.

‘Rising Star’ hominid fossil excavation expedition collaborator Marina Elliott at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Evolutionary Sciences Institute, South Africa; 3 September 2015 – Photo by Brett Eloff.

Rising Star hominid fossil excavation expedition, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 16 November 2013 – Photo by Brett Eloff

Rising Star hominid fossil excavation expedition, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 16 November 2013 – Photo by Brett Eloff

Rising Star hominid fossil excavation expedition, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 16 November 2013 – Photo by Brett Eloff

Prof Lee Berger with scientist Lindsay Eaves.

Prof Lee Berger, leader of the Rising Star expedition.

‘Rising Star’ hominid fossil excavation expedition leader Professor Lee Berger at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Evolutionary Sciences Institute, South Africa; 3 September 2015 – Photo by Brett Eloff.

The Rising Star cave (2).

The Rising Star cave system.

Homo naledi discovery media preview with Prof. Lee Berger et al; Wits University’s Evolutionary Sciences Institute & Rising Star cave, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 7 September 2015 – Photo by Brett Eloff.

Homo naledi discovery media preview with Prof. Lee Berger et al; Wits University’s Evolutionary Sciences Institute & Rising Star cave, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa; 7 September 2015 – Photo by Brett Eloff.

Homo naledi.

Infographic of Dinaledi Cave.

Inside Dinaledi Cave.

Lee Berger with Homo Naledi.

Andorra is home to one of the 1031 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. PHOTO: Corbis Images

September 10, 2015

Less than a minute