The first known hand fossils from an extinct human relative have been unearthed in Kenya, revealing a species with unexpected dexterity and a gorilla-like grip. The hand bones, which were discovered alongside skull and teeth fossils, are leading researchers to believe these early humans may have been able to use stone tools.
Paranthropus boisei was previously identified only by its distinctive skull and large teeth, with molars up to four times bigger than those of living humans, so researchers didn’t know what the rest of the body looked like or how the hominin interacted with its environment. They did, however, theorize about the huge chewing muscles its jaw would have contained and its eating habits, which earned it the moniker Nutcracker Man.
The remarkably well-preserved hand bones comprise a long thumb, straight fingers and a mobile pinkie finger that would have allowed the species to form a powerful grip, similar to how modern humans might grasp a hammer.
Continue Reading on CNN
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.