What is most significant about this discovery is the strong suggestion that that the hominin may have practiced a form of ritualised behaviour, which was thought to have been unique to humans alone.<\/p>
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This is due to the fossils having been found in a deep underground chamber, isolated from other chambers. The chamber had also never been open directly to the surface, and the remains were found alone and in the absence of any other major fossils, except for isolated bird and mouse remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have explored every alternative scenario, including mass death, an unknown carnivore, water transport from another location, or accidental death trap, among others,\u201d Berger explained. \u201cIn examining every other option, we were left with intentional body disposal by Homo naledi as the most plausible scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of Homo naledi\u2019s features include extremely curved fingers, which suggest climbing capabilities, and is believed to have stood at approximately 1.5 metres tall, based on research by various scientific authors and researchers.<\/p>\n
Watch exclusive footage behind the discovery of Homo naledi below.<\/p>\n