Fossiled Remains of Unknown Human Species Found in South Africa

The fossilised bones of 15 bodies from a previously unknown human species have been discovered in a cave in South Africa, it was announced today, in what scientists hailed as a breakthrough in evolution research.

Sep 10, 2015 15:42 IST

Image shows the skull of the Homo Naledi seen during a media preview on September 7, 2015, in Johennesburg. (AFP Photo)

A hand out image made available by the University of the Witwatersrand, shows Crania of Homo Naledi at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, on September 7, 2015. (AFP Photo)
Image made available by the University of the Witwatersrand, shows the skeleton of Homo naledi on September 13, 2014. (AFP Photo)
Image shows parts of the skeleton belonging to the Homo Naledi displayed during a media preview on September 7, 2015, in Johannesburg. (AFP Photo)

The fossils are among nearly 1,700 bones and teeth retrieved from a nearly inaccessible cave near Johannesburg. (AFP Photo)
Analysis of the fossils was part of a project known as the Rising Star Expedition. (AFP Photo)
The fossil trove was created, scientists believe, by Homo naledi repeatedly secreting the bodies of their dead companions in the cave. (AFP Photo)