FOSSIL EVIDENCE: No males found as Homo naledi discovery deepens evolutionary puzzle (opens original article in a new tab)

An analysis of Homo naledi fossils found all 23 sampled teeth belonged to females, suggesting possible sex-specific burial practices, according to a study published in Cell.

• Researchers found no male Homo naledi fossils in the Rising Star Cave system, with all 23 sampled teeth from females.
• Protein analysis of teeth revealed no Amelogenin-Y marker, indicating all individuals were female.
• The study suggests possible cultural practices involving sex-specific burial of Homo naledi.