Moroccan fossils shake up understanding of human origins – been turned on its head

The understanding of human origins has been turned on its head after scientists discovered human fossils believed to be about 100,000 years older than any other known remains of our species, Homo sapiens.

The discovery in a Moroccan hillside has stretched the story of humanity to at least 100 millennia.

International scientists determined that skulls, limb bones and teeth representing at least five individuals were about 300,000 years old, marking a blockbuster discovery in the field of anthropology.

Previous studies and findings suggested Homo sapiens emerged in east Africa about 200,000 years ago.

But the discovery in North Africa, not East or even sub-Saharan Africa, defied expectations.

The skulls, with faces and teeth matching people today but with ancient and elongated braincases, showed our brain needed more time to evolve to its current form…

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