The first hominin from the early Pleistocene paleocave of Haasgat, South Africa

Researchers have identified the first hominin fossil from Haasgat, a paleocave within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa.' The discovery, a partial maxillary molar (HGT 500), dates to approximately 1.95 million years ago and provides critical insight into the transition period in early Pleistocene South Africa, marking the last occurrence of Australopithecus and the emergence of Paranthropus and Homo. Morphological analysis, including micro-CT scans and microscopy, suggests the molar aligns with either late-occurring Australopithecus or early Homo, excluding Paranthropus. This finding underscores Haasgat's significance for understanding hominin evolution and interactions within distinct northern ecosystems, contrasting with better-studied southern sites.

Leece, A., Kegley, A. D. T., Lacruz, R. S., Herries, A. I. R., Hemingway, J., Kgasi, L., Potze, S., & Adams, J. W. (2016). The first hominin from the early Pleistocene paleocave of Haasgat, South Africa. PeerJ, 4, e2024. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2024