Researchers have uncovered 2.65-million-year-old teeth in Ethiopia, belonging to a previously unknown species of Australopithecus. The fossils, discovered in the Ledi-Geraru area of the Afar Region, include ten teeth from two individuals. These teeth add a seventh species to the genus Australopithecus, known for blending ape-like and human-like traits.
Additionally, three teeth dating to 2.59 million years ago belong to the earliest-known Homo species, first identified in 2013. Scientists have not named either species due to the incomplete fossil evidence, but analysis continues to reveal their significance.
The teeth indicate that the new Australopithecus species coexisted with early Homo, possibly competing for resources in the same region. At the time, four hominin species lived in East Africa, showing human evolution was not linear but a branching process.
“This reinforces the idea that human evolution repeatedly branched into multiple species, many of whom lived simultaneously,” said lead researcher Brian Villmoare. Researchers are examining tooth wear to determine diet, exploring whether these species competed for similar food resources.
Crude stone tools, likely made by early Homo, were found nearby, hinting at early technological behaviour alongside these hominins. The fossils were dated using volcanic ash containing feldspar crystals, measured through argon decay, confirming their ancient age.
The Afar Region, now arid, once supported rivers, lakes, and diverse animals, including elephants, hippos, and saber-toothed cats. Australopithecus eventually died out, while Homo evolved and spread globally, with Homo sapiens appearing roughly 300,000 years ago.
“Each find adds a twig to the evolutionary tree, showing a complex, branching story rather than a straight line,” said Kaye Reed. The discovery highlights a critical, poorly understood period in human evolution, shedding light on our ancestors’ diversity and coexistence.
