An item breaking news this week is the discovery of 15 partial skeletons found in a burial chamber deep in a cave system here in South Africa’s “Cradle of Mankind”. Scientists believe they may have discovered a new human-like species. They claim that the discovery will change ideas about our human ancestors.
Named “Homo Naledi” they are at pains to avoid the term “missing link”, but they use the phrase “a bridge between more primitive bipedal primates and humans. Excitement stems from the fact that the skeleton bones are in good condition, and the smaller bones are still intact. Laid out and photographed is a complete skeleton,. What i find intriguing is the comparison between the structure of the bones of a modern human hand and this ancient “Naledi” group. If you’re interested in reading more here’s the link to an article from the BBC detailing the find.
With those images on my mind, I’m inspired to post primate photos showing the close-up details of macaques. I’m linking to Jen’s “Monochromatic” – the theme for this week’s photo challenge.
Nature on the Edge 
Stunning images liz!
Spectacular images. Especially the foot!
Beautiful work Liz. The primate story – past, present and future – is so captivating. Your posts on the subject provide ME with a missing link in my personal knowledge of natural history! Can’t wait to hear more about this discovery.
Beautiful portraits, Liz!
The foot pictures especially are — so thought provoking, and so emotional at the same time. We are all distant cousins, I guess.
Reblogged this on My Choice and commented:
My favourite of the day!
Wonderful images Liz, the expression on that face and the tiny hand – very thought provoking indeed.
Really cool…Specially the hand…The nails are almost human…
I was listening on the radio the news…One of the investigators that went to South Africa was a Spanish one, and he was talking about the excitation he felt when analising the rib cage..He realized he was touching something absolutely new..And he said…Wow!!!! 🙂
Wow!!!
So human! very beautiful pictures!
Wonderful! the eyes of the little one in the last shot – wow
What a bobby-dazzler set of photos!
Thanks! I haven’t heard that phrase before, it sounds good …. brings to mind a London Bobby, all dressed up spick and span, dazzling shoes and bright shiny buttons. 🙂
Good description! Yep, an old English phrase that my Dad used on occasion.
It is the right description for these photos- I keep coming back for a look at them which is not something I do often.
Stunning photos!
Liz the photo of the foot is remarkable but even more so the hand, it really shows how close we are, very poignant.
Gorgeous photos.
Great post and thanks for the BBC link.
Such lovely close-up details of the macaques!
Thanks for your comments Inger.