1.5-million-year-old Homo erectus fossil reveals diversity and early migrations of ancient human ancestors A recently reconstructed fossil face from northern Ethiopia is redefining how scientists understand the early evolution and spread of Homo erectus, the first human ancestor to have ventured out of Africa. The fossil, known as DAN5, dates back to approximately 1.6 to 1.5 million years ago and represents the most complete Early Pleistocene hominin cranium ever discovered from the Horn of Africa. While parts of the skull were first described several years ago, new virtual reconstruction techniques have now allowed researchers to digitally reassemble fragmented facial bones and teeth and attach them to previously known parts. This produced a detailed face that offers rare insight into a critical moment in human evolution...