A Gir in the Evolutionary Narrative
Homo predecessor has been considered for years as a possible precursor to modern humans, but recently investigations have called into question this idea. The controversy began in June 2002, when a new Homo erectus skull discovered in Africa led scientists such as White and ASFAW to rethink the uniqueness of ancestor as a species.
Discussions between experts
The proponents of Homo predecessor have defended their importance in evolutionary history, arguing that this species could have been a direct ancestor of the Sapiens. This thesis was based on a facial reconstruction based on fossil fragments that suggested characteristics similar to those of modern humans, as a depression under the cheekbones.
Bermúdez’s vision and collaborators
In 1997, Bermúdez and his team proposed that the Homo predecessor had been the African ancestor of the Sapiens, a statement that has been the subject of intense debate. However, the lack of predecessor fossils in Africa has complicated its acceptance as an autonomous species.
The dilemma of the fossils
One of the main obstacles to accepting the predecessor as a ancestor is most of the fossils found in Atapuerca, which are young and therefore have characteristics that could change with age. This makes it difficult to establish a clear connection between the fossils of ancestor and the other discovered specimens.
Evidence against
It has recently been shown that the dental enamel of the predecessor homo has characteristics that are more similar to those of Neanderthals than to those of Sapiens, adding more complexity to the narrative about its place in human evolution. This finding contrasts with the initial ideas that placed the predecessor as a direct ancestor.
Principles de parsimonia
To solve this confusion, scientists must consider the principle of Parsimonia, which suggests that the simplest theory and with the smallest number of assumptions is probably approaching the truth. Thus, if the predecessor has so many inconsistencies, it may be more successful to consider it a variant of Homo erectus.
Reconsidering human roots
At present, the Atapuerca team has begun to accept that Homo predecessor does not necessarily come from Africa, and that its classification as a ancestor of Sapiens can be wrong. This opens the door to a broader review of our understanding of human roots and the diversity of Homo erectus worldwide.
A future full of questions
With these new evidence, the debate on Homo Adecessor and his relationship with the Sapiens is still open. Future research will be crucial to clarify the complexities of human evolution and to better understand how different species have interacted over time.
