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Recently discovered remains from the Tugen Hills, dated to about 6 million years ago have been placed in which genus?

User Anothermh
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Final answer:

Remains found in the Tugen Hills and dated to about 6 million years ago belong to the genus Orrorin, specifically Orrorin tugenensis, which exhibits features similar to modern humans and is a potential ancestor of modern humans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ancient human-like species found in the Tugen Hills and dated to about 6 million years ago is known as Orrorin tugenensis. These remains, discovered in 2000, are important as some features of Orrorin are more similar to those of modern humans than those of the australopithecines, despite being older. In particular, characteristics of bipedalism such as a larger femoral head and dental traits with thick enamel suggest a closer relation to modern humans than previously discovered species.

It's proposed that Orrorin tugenensis could be an ancestor of modern humans, which challenges the place of australopithecines in the human lineage. Paleontologists continue to research, and new findings in the Tugen Hills may further illuminate the evolutionary history of our species.

User MetalLemon
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