Fifty years ago today, a groundbreaking discovery was unearthed in Ethiopia, the fossilized bones of a human ancestor, and you probably already know her name... (SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "LUCY IN THE SKY ...

The Nyayanga excavation site in Kenya, in July 2025. Fossils and Oldowan tools have been excavated from the tan and reddish-brown sediments, which date to more than 2.6 million years old. T. W.

Paleoanthropologists have learned a lot about Lucy, the world’s most famous hominin fossil, since she was discovered in 1974. And her fossils are still yielding new insights Emily Driehaus 50 years ...

A cache of human-like fossils from China has perplexed scientists for decades, defying explanation or categorization.Related video above: Human skeletons and other treasures found in the ancient city ...

This photo provided by the Homa Peninsula Paleoanthropology Project in August 2025, shows Oldowan stone tools made from a variety of raw materials sourced more than 6 miles away from where they were ...

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An enigmatic skull recovered from the bottom of a well in northeastern China in 2018 sparked intrigue when it didn’t match any previously known species of prehistoric human. Now, scientists say they ...

Deep in the Rising Star Cave system lies a mystery of paleoanthropology. Deep in the Rising Star Cave system lies a mystery of paleoanthropology: a chamber filled with the bones of Homo naledi. How ...

New research has revealed how more upright limb postures helped ancient reptiles overcome the biomechanical constraints of body size, paving the way for the evolution of larger sizes in archosaurs—a ...

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. BBC’s five-part series “Human” premieres Wednesday as part of the PBS series “Nova,” following paleoanthropologist ...

Fifty years ago, the discovery of a human ancestor "Lucy" generated worldwide attention. NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with paleoanthropologist Zeray Alemseged about the legacy of the discovery. KUOW is ...