Scientists recently discovered a variety of million-year-old stone tools in Kenya. These discoveries allow archaeologists to better understand our early human ancestors’ lives and how they developed more sophisticated tools as time went on. As it turns out, there are some important parallels between ancient stone tools and modern technologies. Listen to learn more about this exciting find and hear how it relates to life today.
Read MoreAncient Chewing Gum Holds DNA Clues
A chunk of chewed birch resin has revealed surprisingly detailed information about a woman who lived 5,700 years ago. Scientists investigated a brownish blob discovered at an archaeological site and were able to extract and analyze a complete strand of DNA that revealed details about the diet, health, and appearance of the Stone Age woman who had chewed it. Listen to learn why ancient people chewed birch pitch and how this very old piece of gum could inspire archaeologists to look in new places for clues to the past.
Read MoreFollowing 10,000-Year-Old Footsteps
Archaeologists, who study prehistoric sites for clues to the past, made an exciting new discovery in New Mexico’s White Sands National Park. They found tracks of humans and animals left around 10,000 years ago. The scientists say the prints show activity around a puddle among children, adults, and giant prehistoric creatures. Listen to hear more about the story told by these ancient footprints, and learn why scientists are especially excited by the finding.
Read MoreUnderstanding Why Dinosaurs Went Extinct
The asteroid that hit Earth 66 million years ago caused most of the world’s living things, including dinosaurs, to go extinct. Not every species died out, however, and scientists are trying to figure out why certain animals survived while others perished. Researchers looking at the fossil record are starting to uncover clues. Listen to learn what happened on Earth when the massive asteroid hit and which clues are helping researchers solve the scientific mystery.
Read MoreCURRENT EVENT | October 19, 2022
No one knows why early humans began walking upright. But scientists have found evidence that the change from using four legs to two began more than three million years ago, and at least two human species were likely doing it at the same time. This evidence comes from ancient fossilized footprints that were examined using modern technology. Listen to learn how scientists looked at previously-examined footprints and came to intriguing new conclusions.
Story Length: 3:23
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04/12/2022
https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/2400-new-views-on-fossil-footprints
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