Scientists narrow age estimate for fossils of human ancestor

    Press/Media: Research

    Description

    Scientists say they have finally calculated
    the age of the youngest known remains of Homo erectus, which
    is generally considered an ancestor of our species.
    The fossilized skull fragments and other bones were uncovered
    on the Indonesian island of Java in the 1930s. Determining
    their age has been a scientific challenge, and a wide range has
    been proposed by numerous studies.
    In a report released Wednesday by the journal Nature,
    scientists conclude the remains are between 108,000 and
    117,000 years old. Researchers used five dating techniques on
    sediments and fossil animal bones from the area, combining 52
    age estimates for the analysis. The project took 13 years to
    complete.

    Period19 Dec 2019

    Media contributions

    1

    Media contributions

    • TitleScientists narrow age estimate for fossils of human ancestor
      Degree of recognitionInternational
      Media name/outletAssociated Press
      Media typeWeb
      Country/TerritoryUnited States
      Date19/12/19
      DescriptionNEW YORK (AP) — Scientists say they have finally calculated
      the age of the youngest known remains of Homo erectus, which
      is generally considered an ancestor of our species.
      The fossilized skull fragments and other bones were uncovered
      on the Indonesian island of Java in the 1930s. Determining
      their age has been a scientific challenge, and a wide range has
      been proposed by numerous studies.
      In a report released Wednesday by the journal Nature,
      scientists conclude the remains are between 108,000 and
      117,000 years old. Researchers used five dating techniques on
      sediments and fossil animal bones from the area, combining 52
      age estimates for the analysis. The project took 13 years to
      complete.
      Producer/AuthorMalcolm Ritter
      PersonsKE Westaway