Discovering Homo Naledi: Journey to Find a Human Ancestor, Part 1

Many thought that the time for field exploration in the search for human origins was over. Then in 2013, paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence Lee Berger made a remarkable discovery: While exploring the Rising Star cave system in South Africa, his team stumbled upon one of the greatest fossil discoveries in the past half century. They found a new species of human ancestor that could very well change the way we think about human ancestry and evolution. In part one, Berger talks about the circumstances and passion that drove him to make this incredible find and the cavers who saw it first.

Watch Part 2:

Part 3:

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Read the full article about the discovery of Homo naledi online in National Geographic magazine.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/150910-human-evolution-change/

PRODUCER: Hilary Hudson
EDITOR: Monica Pinzon
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: John McDonald
SERIES PRODUCER: Vanessa Serrao

The National Geographic Live series brings thought-provoking presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, photographers, and performing artists right to you. Each presentation is filmed in front of a live audience at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. New clips air every Monday.