New Paranthropus Species Discovered: 1.4-Million-Year-Old Fossil Rewrites Human Evolution!

A remarkable fossil discovery in South Africa has rewritten part of our evolutionary history. A 1.4-million-year-old fossilised jawbone, found in the Swartkrans cave system, has been identified as belonging to a newly discovered species of Paranthropus, an extinct genus of early human relatives. This groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, suggests that multiple species of Paranthropus coexisted in southern Africa, highlighting the diversity of early hominins.

A Long-Lost Fossil Re-examined

The jawbone, designated SK 15, was first uncovered in 1949 but has only now been correctly classified. Originally thought to belong to Telanthropus capensis, and later attributed to Homo ergaster, its true identity remained a mystery for decades. However, with advancements in high-resolution X-ray scanning and virtual 3D modelling, researchers have been able to take a fresh look at this fossil.

Leading the study was palaeoanthropologist Clément Zanolli from the University of Bordeaux. By analysing the shape of the jaw, the size and morphology of the teeth, and the internal structure of the dentine, the team concluded that SK 15 does not belong to Homo ergaster at all. Instead, it is a previously unknown species of Paranthropus—a genus known for its strong jaws and large molars, often referred to as “nutcracker man.”

Photo Credit: C. Zanolli et al., Journal of Human Evolution (2025)

A New Branch on the Evolutionary Tree

While belonging to the Paranthropus genus, SK 15 possesses key differences that set it apart from previously known species like P. aethiopicus, P. boisei, and P. robustus, which lived between 2.7 million and 1 million years ago. The new species has a smaller, more gracile jaw and teeth, leading researchers to name it Paranthropus capensis.

“Swartkrans is a crucial site for understanding hominin diversity and potential interactions between different species,” Zanolli told Live Science. “This is the first time since the 1970s that a new Paranthropus species has been identified.”

Coexisting Species and Ecological Niches

The discovery of P. capensis supports the idea that multiple species of Paranthropus may have coexisted in southern Africa, each occupying different ecological niches. While P. robustus had a heavily built skull suited for chewing tough plant materials, P. capensis appears to have had a more delicate structure, suggesting possible differences in diet and lifestyle.

Further research into existing fossil collections from Swartkrans and nearby sites may reveal additional specimens of P. capensis that were previously misidentified as P. robustus. Although the evolutionary fate of P. capensis remains unclear, Zanolli speculates that its lineage may have persisted much longer than currently documented.

This discovery adds yet another piece to the puzzle of human evolution, reminding us of the complexity and diversity of our ancient relatives. With new technologies allowing us to re-examine old finds, who knows what other secrets the past still holds?