Determining the evolution of human apes

CT scans (computed tomography scans) of fossilized skull fragments dating back to 1.4 million years can help researchers end a long debate about the evolution of Australopithecus gibbons in Africa - ancestors of modern people.

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The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, said the CT scan provided important anatomical information within the face.

For decades, scientists have not paid attention to the importance of facial features in some Australopithecus species, particularly two bones called 'front support columns' extending from fangs. to the nose.

Dr. Brian Villmoare (University of London and George Washington University) and Professor William Kimbel (Arizona State University) conducted an analysis of fossilized CT scans from five species of Australopithecus and found the internal structure of the bones Front pillars in species are quite different.

Scientists used CT scans to find out
the evolution of Australopithecus gibbons. (Photo: Science Daily)

According to the authors, A. robustus in South Africa and A. boisei in East Africa have strong, solid bones, porous bone tissue, while A. africanus (also from South Africa) only has bones hollow cylinder. That difference shows that the front bone in different species grows in different ways.

This finding denies the long line of theory that the features and facial features of species all inherited from a common ancestor and gave an indication of the external similarity of A. Africanus and A. Robustus species of South Africa is due to parallel evolution.

'We believe that anatomical similarity within the face can formulate the theory that there is a separate evolutionary branch of' southern ape 'and A. Africanus as well as A. Boisei have one common ancestor , said Dr. Villmoare.

' The frontal similarity in different Australopith species may stem from the same diet although they are not the same ancestors , ' he added.