Scientists have identified a new hominin, nicknamed “Pink,” as the earliest human ancestor found in Western Europe, dating back between 1.1 and 1.4 million years. The discovery was made at the Atapuerca archaeological complex in northern Spain, with excavation led by Rosa Huguet from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution.
- Earliest human ancestor found in Western Europe
- Nicknamed "Pink" after Pink Floyd's album
- Dating suggests 1.1 to 1.4 million years
- Resembles Homo erectus more than H. antecessor
- Possible migration from eastern Europe
- Ongoing excavations at Sima del Elefante
The Atapuerca site is renowned for its archaeological significance, housing the oldest evidence of human presence in Western Europe. The partial remains of Pink, consisting of a jaw and cheekbone, were excavated in 2022. Researchers have reconstructed the facial features, revealing a narrow, flat face with characteristics distinct from other known human species of that era.
Key findings include:
- Pink’s remains date between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old.
- The features resemble those of Homo erectus, rather than Homo antecessor.
- Excavations revealed stone tools and animal remains, indicating advanced tool use.
Experts believe Pink may represent a previously unrecognized species that arrived in Western Europe before Homo antecessor. This suggests a possible overlap or gap in the timeline of early human migration. The designation “Homo affinis erectus” has been proposed, acknowledging its similarities to Homo erectus while leaving room for further classification.
Continuing excavations at the Sima del Elefante site aim to uncover more about this early inhabitant of the Iberian Peninsula. The findings could provide insights into the migration patterns and living conditions of early humans in Europe.
This discovery at Atapuerca marks a significant step in understanding human evolution in Europe, highlighting the complexity of our ancestral lineage and the potential for future discoveries in the region.
