A discovery in Kenya has reveal that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, two distinct hominin species, coexist 1.5 million years ago, according to reports. According to a study publish in the journal Science, the footprints were uncover at Koobi Fora near Lake Turkana in 2021.
These findings suggest that these two species not only share the same environment but may also have interact.
The team, led by Kevin Hatala, a paleoanthropologist from Chatham University, analyse a 26-foot-long trail of fossilise footprints.
Using advance 3D imaging techniques, researchers identified tracks belonging to individuals with distinct foot shapes and walking patterns.
As per source, it was conclude that the footprints with high arches and heel-to-toe strides were left by Homo erectus, whose body structure closely resembles that of modern humans.
In contrast, the flatter footprints, mark by deeper forefoot impressions, were attribute to Paranthropus boisei, known for its robust build and divergent big toe.
As per the study, the footprints offer details insights into the anatomical differences between the species.
A single trackway contain a dozen prints from a P. boisei individual, whose foot size was equivalent to a modern US men’s size 8.5.
While, the H. erectus footprints were smaller, correlating to shoe sizes between a women’s 4 and men’s 6.
Jeremy DeSilva, a paleoanthropologist from Dartmouth College, said that this discovery provides a rare glimpse into their locomotion and potential behavioural dynamics.
Kevin Hatala told the publication that these species likely recognise each other as distinct, drawing comparisons to the interactions observed between chimpanzees and gorillas today.
Zach Throckmorton, a Colorado State University paleoanthropologist, reportedly highlight that the stability of the big toe, evident in H. erectus, is a crucial adaptation for walking and running.
The overlapping tracks, made within hours of each other, suggest that these species share a landscape in closer proximity than previously thought.
As their precise interactions remain speculative, the discovery opens new avenues for understanding early human evolution.
