Primates who lived more than three million years ago had ape-like brain structures but experienced human-like brain growth, groundbreaking research has shown.
Scientists analysed eight skulls belonging to the extinct Australopithecus afarensis species, linked to one of our famous early human ancestors.
They found evidence of a prolonged period of brain development compared with chimpanzees. Researchers believe the primates had a long dependence on caregivers like young children.
An international team of scientists, including researchers from the Natural History Museum in London and University College London, used state-of-the-art scanning technology to examine the ancient fossil skulls.
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