Fossil Footprints Reveal Coexistence of Two Early Human Species in Kenya

New evidence shows Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei lived side by side 1.5 million years ago, offering insights into early human evolution.

Footprints discovered on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, provide the first direct evidence of Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei coexisting in the same area at the same time.
The fossilized tracks, dating back 1.5 million years, were preserved in mud and analyzed using advanced 3D scanning technology to distinguish the two species' bipedal walking styles.
Homo erectus exhibited a walking pattern similar to modern humans, while Paranthropus boisei had a more flat-footed gait, reflecting differences in anatomy and mobility.
The findings suggest the two species likely encountered each other and shared resources in a lakeside environment rich in food but fraught with dangers such as crocodiles and hippos.
This discovery sheds light on the diversity of early hominin locomotion and interactions, enriching our understanding of human evolutionary history.