Final answer:
The Atapuerca hominin fossils are classified as belonging to the species Homo antecessor, which is one of the earliest archaic forms of Homo found in Europe. These fossils suggest a close relationship with Neanderthals. Homo antecessor provides significant insights into the evolution and divergence of early human species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atapuerca Hominins and Homo antecessor
The Atapuerca hominin fossils have been classified as belonging to a distinct species known as Homo antecessor. This species is believed to have lived approximately 1.2 million to 800,000 years ago and is considered an early archaic form of Homo. Found at the Sima de los Huesos site in the Sierra de Atapuerca region in Spain, these fossils represent the oldest evidence of the genus Homo in Europe. The Atapuerca site has yielded over 1,600 fossils of 28 individuals, offering extensive insights into the characteristics and evolution of early human species.
There is some debate among scientists regarding the relationship of Homo antecessor to other hominins; some propose it as an ancestor to Homo heidelbergensis, while others suggest a descent from H. ergaster. Nuclear DNA evidence from the Atapuerca site suggest early hominins found there were related to Neanderthals, pointing to a divergence from the Denisovan lineage earlier than previously thought.
Data from other sites and species, such as the discovery of Sahelanthropus tchadensis, add complexity to our understanding of human evolution. Such findings reflect the continual development of our knowledge about these ancient species and the evolutionary history that led to modern humans.