1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints Reveal Coexistence of Two Early Human Species in Kenya

Fossilized tracks from Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei provide the first direct evidence of shared habitat and potential interaction.

Researchers discovered fossilized footprints from two early human species at Koobi Fora near Lake Turkana, Kenya, dating back 1.5 million years.
The tracks, made within hours or days of each other, confirm that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei coexisted in the same environment.
Homo erectus footprints exhibit a modern, efficient walking style, while Paranthropus boisei tracks suggest a flat-footed gait with ape-like traits.
Differences in diet and behavior imply potential coexistence strategies, with Homo erectus being an omnivore and Paranthropus boisei relying on tough plant matter.
This discovery raises questions about the interactions between the species, ranging from competition and coexistence to the possibility of occasional interbreeding.