Two different hominid fossils were found in Ethiopia, determined to have lived during the same period.

A research team in the Afar region of Ethiopia has found two fossils side by side, one belonging to the oldest known Homo genus and the other a previously unknown hominid, which lived between 2.6 and 2.78 million years ago.

According to reports in the national press, an important discovery was made within the scope of the Ledi-Geraru Research Project.

According to findings unearthed in the project, a research team working in the Lower Awash Valley of the Afar region found two human fossils side by side, one belonging to the oldest known Homo genus and the other a previously unknown one, dating back 2.6 to 2.78 million years.

TWO DIFFERENT RACES LIVED IN THE SAME REGION

Project Co-Director Prof. Amy Rector said in a statement that the fossils found are the first evidence that two different lineages lived in the same region, both in time and space.

Rector emphasized that the coexistence of the two species during this period raises new questions about resource sharing and interactions.

Abebaw Ayalew, Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, stated that this discovery is extremely important for Ethiopia and the entire world, adding, "These findings further reinforce Ethiopia's position as the cradle of humanity."

The Ledi-Geraru Research Project, which has been ongoing since 2002 in collaboration with Arizona State University and the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, has been making important fossil discoveries in the region.

A new national museum could be established

The latest findings are expected to be published soon in a scientific journal, and authorities are planning to establish a new national museum to showcase such discoveries.

Among 13 fossil teeth found in the region between 2015 and 2018, a molar dating back approximately 2.78 million years was determined to belong to the first hominid species.

Another set of teeth, approximately 2.63 million years old, was identified as belonging to a previously unknown fossil hominid species.