Ancient proteins extracted from 20 Homo naledi teeth, found deep within South Africa's Rising Star cave system, have revealed a startling uniformity: every single individual analyzed was female, according to CNN. Researchers found no male markers, specifically the Amelogenin-Y protein, in the analyzed Homo naledi teeth, Courthouse News reported. The first time ancient proteins have been successfully extracted and analyzed from Homo naledi fossils opens new avenues for understanding this ancient hominin, Phys stated.
The finding creates a significant tension with the broader archaeological record. Over 1,500 Homo naledi fossils have been discovered, yet this initial genetic analysis of a significant sample indicates an exclusively female presence.
Initial genetic evidence suggests that either Homo naledi burial practices were gender-specific, or the social structure of this particular group was heavily female-dominated, requiring further investigation into these ancient hominins.
