Photo: Early Human Ancestors May Have Had "Harem" Societies

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


Several fossil skulls (top) and lower jawbones (bottom) of the early human ancestor Paranthropus robustus sit side by side for comparison.

New analysis of P. robustus fossils found in South Africa suggests that the ancient species lived in "harem" societies where a single dominant male mated with several females.

Skulls image © Science; jaws image courtesy Charles Lockwood

MOST VIEWED NEWS

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies

PICTURES: "Extraordinary" Ancient Skeletons Found
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.