When Humans Were Prey
PBS Eons・2 minutes read
The discovery of the Taung Child challenged previous beliefs about early human ancestors and suggested they were preyed upon by other animals, not hunters. Evidence of predation in our evolutionary past has influenced our understanding of human evolution and the selective pressures that shaped our development as a species.
Insights
- The discovery of the Taung Child challenged the belief that early human ancestors were hunters, suggesting they were actually preyed upon by other animals, leading to a shift in understanding about human evolution.
- Evidence from damaged hominin fossils and further analysis revealed that early hominins were likely preyed upon by predators like hyenas, leopards, crocodiles, and even large birds of prey, prompting evolutionary adaptations such as becoming larger, bipedal, and developing speech to survive in a dangerous environment.
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Recent questions
Where was the Taung Child discovered?
South Africa