A New Ancestor in a Cave – Separate Studies of Human Development Go Hand in Hand

Prior to our ancestors being developed enough to build their habitats, they often lived in caves where and when the weather required them to shelter. Whether for sun, rain, heat or cold.

So simple information about how a cave develops is critical when considering any ape or human ancestors being able to access them. And what would impede them. Even rock changes form depending on the type of stone and dampness/aridness of the area. This changes over time as well, when looking at climate trends. Like the ice age and younger dryas. Like the change from Savannah to desert in central Africa. What might have been a fairly clear thoroughfare may in centuries be full of formation changes.

And the mobility styles of an ape and an early human ancestor would change their ability to access the cave too. Dependent on these formations.

Caves may also be varied in temperature from the area, whether they are above or below ground. (How far below) Which would change the status of the experience for the ape or humanoid sheltering there. As well as how well the remains and artifacts stood the test of time.

Caves may also be lacking in safe air flow and reduce ability to breathe. Dependent on the number of entrances, opening sizes, and the gases inside the cave. This is also relevant to how the ape or humanoid got there and died there or was considered buried there. Since there was no evidence of struggle. Or reason to believe an animal dragged them there to eat them.

So a lot of interesting things to consider, besides the finding of a new form of hominid.

Though that’s prob the coolest part of this journey in South Africa.
Meet Homo Naledi everyone! Don’t worry, he can’t hurt you!