Homo antecessor skull layers resemble modern humans and Neanderthals, fragments suggest
A new study of Homo antecessor parietal fragments from Spain reveals that their cranial vault thickness is similar to modern humans and Neanderthals. This finding suggests these early hominins had distinct cranial features compared to the thicker-skulled Homo erectus.
Why it matters
This research provides critical data on the evolutionary development of the human skull, helping scientists better understand the lineage and biological traits of early Pleistocene hominins.
by Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source External view and proposed positioning of the Homo antecessor parietal remains. Dashed black lines indicate sutures. Credit: Journal of Human Evolution (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2026.103870 A new study provides quantitative data on cranial vault thickness in Homo antecessor, based on the analysis of three parietal fragments recovered from the Gran Dolina site in the Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain.
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