In Turkana Basin, Northern Kenya, researchers have made a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the coexistence of early human species approximately 1.5 million years ago. Fossilized footprints found in the muddy ground of the lakeside reveal the presence of both a cousin of prehistoric humans and the early human Homo erectus. This finding offers a unique glimpse into the interactions between two different species on the human family tree who shared the same landscape in close proximity.

The analysis of these fossilized footprints, conducted by Dr. Kevin Hatala and his colleagues from Chatham University in the US, provides a direct snapshot of the two species together in the same immediate vicinity. The footprints, accompanied by tracks of birds and other animals, suggest that the individual walking had a stride length indicative of a modestly fast pace. However, the foot anatomy and walking patterns observed in these footprints differ from those of modern humans.

Interestingly, the impressions left in the muddy ground align more closely with footprints expected from Paranthropus boisei, a species known as Nutcracker Man due to its distinctive big teeth. Despite not being a direct human ancestor, Paranthropus boisei branches off from our family tree. The researchers also uncovered separate prints nearby that resembled those of Homo erectus, an early ancestor of modern humans who inhabited the region at that time.

This discovery raises intriguing questions about the interactions and coexistence of different hominin species, suggesting a complex dynamic within the early human family tree. By examining similar fossilized hominin footprints from the same period in east Turkana, researchers noticed signs of multiple hominin species sharing a common landscape. Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum in London commended the research as fascinating, highlighting the careful assessment of probabilities in identifying the species responsible for the footprints.

The presence of these early human relatives in a lakeside environment, where they likely engaged in activities like walking, wading, and feeding on available resources, provides valuable insights into their lives. The authors propose that the proximity of the two species, with their distinct diets, suggests a lack of strong competition during that time, allowing for their close and tolerant coexistence. This groundbreaking discovery offers a glimpse into the ancient interactions and behaviors of early human species, providing a deeper understanding of our evolutionary history.