Analysis of Homo naledi remains in South African cave indicates all 23 individuals were female
This story involves crime. Any claims of wrongdoing described here are allegations, not established facts, unless a court or official body has ruled otherwise. This disclosure does not remove our responsibility for what's published below.
See sources Request a correction Report a serious problem / request takedown Corrections & takedown policy
Generated , updated since first publication on as new sources were added. Not reviewed by a human editor before publication.
A study using tooth protein analysis on Homo naledi skeletons in a South African cave system found that every individual was female. The findings may support the theory that the bodies were placed in the cave intentionally.
Amalgamated from New Scientist (opens in new tab), Live Science (opens in new tab), Live Science (opens in new tab)
An analysis of tooth protein samples from 23 Homo naledi skeletons discovered in a South African cave system indicates that all known individuals of this species are female. The study, reported by both New Scientist and Live Science, provides new data regarding the composition of these remains within the Rising Star cave.
The findings have been used to support the theory that the skeletons were placed in the cave deliberately. According to New Scientist, the fact that every individual found was female strengthens the case for intentional placement rather than a natural accumulation of remains over time.
While the analysis provides clarity on the sex of the individuals, experts are still evaluating what this means for the study of hominin behavior. Live Science reports that researchers remain uncertain about how to interpret the finding, describing it as an unusual result from an already complex species. The data offers a clearer demographic profile but leaves questions regarding the social circumstances or specific reasons for the group's presence in the cave system.