National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Photo: "Lucy's Baby" -- World's Oldest Child -- Found by Fossil Hunters


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An almost intact skeleton of an ancient child—complete with skull and face—has been uncovered in Ethiopia, scientists say. The 3.3 million-year-old fossil is the same species as "Lucy," who was found nearby in 1974.

Nicknamed "Lucy's baby," the child find is remarkable for both its age and completeness. Experts hope the find will provide numerous insights into the growth and development of early human ancestors. (See a video discussing how the new child skeleton was found.)

Photograph by Zeresenay Alemseged, ©2006 Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH)