A new study argues that Lucy, the 3.18-million-year-old human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia, likely died after falling from a tree.
A new study has identified a potential cause of death for the fossil named Lucy, which is considered “among the oldest and most complete...hominin skeletons discovered.”
According to a news release issued by the University of Texas at Austin, the 3.18-million-year-old ancestor to humans likely “died after falling from a tree.”
This conclusion was made after researchers scanned her bones and saw damage which they have associated with a hard impact that occurred while she was still alive.
As the release states, “The injury was consistent with a four-part proximal humerus fracture, caused by a fall from considerable height when the conscious victim stretched out an arm in an attempt to break the fall.”
However, the team suspects she likely died soon after from internal injuries indicated by her fractured ribs.
Despite these findings, some scientists remain skeptical that Lucy’s fractures are unique or reflect such a fall, notes the Washington Post.
Since her discovery in Ethiopia in 1974, the three-foot-tall female has been considered a possible source of clues into how human ancestors evolved from moving through trees to walking on land.
