Unearthing Pink: A New Player in Europe's Human Evolution

Scientists discovered ancient facial fossils in Spain that may represent a new human species, reshaping early European history. Nicknamed 'Pink,' the fossils exhibit traits similar to Homo erectus, yet distinct from known species. This discovery opens new avenues for studying human evolution in Europe.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered fossilized facial bones in Spain, potentially representing a previously unknown species in the human evolutionary lineage. Unearthed at the Sima del Elefante cave site near Burgos, these fossils are roughly 1.1 million to 1.4 million years old, positioning them among Europe's oldest human fossils.

The fragments, making up about 80 percent of the left side of an adult face, demonstrate primitive features unlike Homo antecessor, a known species from Western Europe. The researchers provisionally named these remains 'Homo affinis erectus,' acknowledging similarities to Homo erectus traits. The find, dubbed 'Pink' in homage to Pink Floyd, could rewrite the narrative of early European human history.

Researchers emphasize this discovery as a pivotal moment for human evolutionary studies, suggesting a fresh migration model predating known arrivals. Though Pink's complete facial structure remains unreconstructed due to incomplete fossils, the find highlights a potential early European inhabitant predating Homo antecessor and showcasing primitive yet unique facial anatomy distinct from Homo sapiens.

(With inputs from agencies.)