1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints Show Two Hominin Species Coexisted in Kenya

The discovery of fossilized tracks from Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei reveals a rare glimpse into ancient human behavior and shared habitats.

Scientists uncovered fossilized footprints at Kenya's Koobi Fora site, dating back 1.5 million years, showing evidence of two distinct hominin species coexisting.
The tracks were attributed to Homo erectus, a likely ancestor of modern humans, and Paranthropus boisei, an extinct species with adaptations for heavy chewing.
The footprints, preserved along an ancient lakeshore, suggest the two species may have been aware of each other, though the nature of their interactions remains unknown.
3D imaging and anatomical analysis revealed differences in foot structure and locomotion, providing insights into their distinct physical adaptations and behaviors.
This discovery also prompted a reevaluation of other nearby fossilized tracks, indicating these species shared the region for at least 200,000 years.