But they were not our only ancestor on the scene: treading the same ground was the early human Homo erectus.
Researchers say an analysis of fossilised footprints discovered in deposits of the Turkana Basin, northern Kenya, suggests the marks were made by two different species on the human family tree who were in the same place within hours or days of each other.
While skeletal fossils have previously suggested these species may have coexisted, the timespans they can be dated to, and the size of the deposits they are found in, are too large to pin down interactions.
"This is the first direct snapshot of the two species together on the same immediate landscape," said Dr Kevin Hatala, the first author of the research from Chatham University in the US.
This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
At least 75% of universities join fossil fuel pledge, say activists
More than three-quarters of UK universities have pledged to exclude fossil fuel firms from their investment portfolios, according to campaigners.
Verstappen says he has 'lost all respect' for Russell
Max Verstappen issued a condemnation of his fellow driver George Russell stating he had \"lost all respect\" for him after the pair were involved in an incident during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix.
'Not the best part of UK' Ortega hits out at Liverpool over Guardiola 'sack' chants
Pep Guardiola said he expected more respect at Anfield after being taunted about the sack during Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool, with the chants prompting the goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to criticise the city as \"not the best part in the UK\".
Salah seals statement win as City continue to flounder
When times have been tough in the past for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, there has always been the sense they will pull through; it will be OK.
Powerless Guardiola gawps as his empire falls at the hands of Slot's meritocracy
Pep Guardiola kept holding up six fingers. The Liverpool fans were in delirium and the Liverpool players were jigging and jiving across the turf, and his own players had gone over to applaud the travelling support, which is really the least anyone deserves after attempting to travel across northern England on a Sunday.
Rashford and Zirkzee double up to demolish sorry Everton
\"Amorim, Ruben Amorim, nananananananaaa,\" the jubilant Manchester United fans chorused after Joshua Zirkzee's second goal.
Palmer's showstopper adds to Emery's worries
Bad news for fans of slapstick comedy: Chelsea appear to be serious again.
Postecoglou tunes out injury 'violins' as Spurs are slowed by Cairney
It would be tempting to talk of Tottenham at least being predictable in their unpredictability, of the way they cannot but follow up a great result with a disappointing one, of the inevitability of them, having beaten Manchester City 4-0 the previous weekend, failing to beat Fulham at home.
Hayes says fans entitled to boo USA's Albert at Wembley
Emma Hayes United States head coach
'Raring to go' Stokes brushes off injury worry after pulling up
Ben Stokes moved to play down concerns over his fitness and declared himself \"raring to go\" for the second Test at Wellington after the England captain ended his efforts with the ball mid-over during the eight-wicket win at Hagley Oval.
