BREAKING: New species of human ancestor found
Paleantologists have announced the discovery of a new species of human ancestor at the Cradle of Humankind near Maropeng, outside Johannesburg.
Some 1550 fossils were found in a cave with researchers saying there're still thousands more there.
It's believed the bodies were carried or thrown into the cave.
Wits University says the discovery will have a global impact. Professor Lee Berger led the team.
"A species that we have called Homo Naledi. Naledi meaning star and the chamber we have called the Dinaledi chamber - our Chamber of Stars. This is in reference and respect to the magnificent cage system - that revealed them to us.
"They are an extraordinary species known from the largest assemblage of early fossils ever discovered in the history of our science in this continent with more than fifteen individuals of all ages," he said.
#Maropeng Berger reveals the new fossil named homo naledi pic.twitter.com/hkL70WNd4M
— Karabo Ngoepe (@karabongoepe1) September 10, 2015#Maropeng The fossils found pic.twitter.com/Mq4Heel5Jl
— Karabo Ngoepe (@karabongoepe1) September 10, 2015#Maropeng The bones pic.twitter.com/K3tGmRMYlS
— Karabo Ngoepe (@karabongoepe1) September 10, 2015#Maropeng the discoveries made pic.twitter.com/jurjeGJ9vt
— Karabo Ngoepe (@karabongoepe1) September 10, 2015#Maropeng Berger says this group might have disposed of the dead by placing them in the Naledi Chamber pic.twitter.com/PjQAeKhdbw
— Karabo Ngoepe (@karabongoepe1) September 10, 2015Meanwhile, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the discovery reveals much about our origin and ancestors.
"These discoveries underline the fact that despite our individual differences - in the way we appear and the languages that we speak, the beliefs that we hold on to and our cultural practices - we are bound together by a common ancestry," he said.
WATCH: Professor Lee Berger introduces the new species.