Final answer:
The key geographical feature in East Africa for studying human evolution is the Great Rift Valley. This area has preserved numerous fossils of early hominids, including the renowned 'Lucy', thanks to its unique environmental conditions. The sediment buildup from erosion patterns provides an excellent record of biological remains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geographical Feature Rich in Human Evolutionary Fossils
The geographical feature in East Africa that has been a rich source of fossils for studying human evolution is the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley's favorable preservation environment has enabled the discovery of many important hominid fossils, such as the famous Lucy, an australopithecine found in 1974. The Valley runs through Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania and encompasses varied topographies, including vast savannas, large lakes, and the highlands of Ethiopia, all of which have contributed to its significance in paleoanthropology.
The finds in the Great Rift Valley have played a crucial role in understanding human ancestry. For example, the discovery of Paranthropus boisei in 1959 by Mary Leakey and later findings by significant figures such as Donald Johanson and Richard and Mary Leakey add to the extensive collection of human evolution evidence sourced from this region. The Valley's rich sedimentary deposits resulting from ancient erosion patterns have been instrumental in capturing and preserving these evolutionary records.
Associated with the Great Rift Valley are not only vital paleontological sites like the Olduvai Gorge but also regions crucial for wildlife conservation and tourism, further underscoring the Valley's importance to Africa's physical and economic landscape.