Who are Paleoanthropologists?

Paleoanthropology is a branch of anthropology that focuses on the study of human evolution from the pre-human primates to modern humans.  Paleoanthropologists, like William Kimbel (shown in the photo at right), study fossil remains, preserved animal bones and plant matter, tools, and footprints left by early humans (also called "hominids") to determine how prehistoric primates lived and evolved into modern humans.

Paleoanthropologists are similar to archaeologists and other anthropologists in what they do.  Many focus on the discovery and excavation of sites, such as the discovery of a 3.3-million-year-old juvenile skeleton by a team from Arizona State University in 2006.  Others use the fossil record and findings to hypothesize about human evolution and cultural developments.  Many others may combine their roles and pursue careers as museum curators, university professors, and as published authors of various books and papers regarding their findings or the findings of others.

Two pioneers of paleoanthropology are Kamoya Kimeu and Louis Leakey.

Kamoya Kimeu is generally thought to be one of the most successful fossil hunters for pre-humans in the world. He began work as a laborer for the Leakey family in the 1950s and eventually discovered two fossils in Tanzania, East Africa. The first, KNM-ER 1813, is a almost complete skull specimen of Homo habilis, which lived around 1.9 million years ago. (For more information on KNM-ER 1813, click here.) The second, KNM-WT 15000, also known as "Turkana Boy," is one of the most complete and oldest specimens of Homo erectus. "Turkana Boy" was approximately twelve years old at his time of death and is dated to around 1.6 million years ago. (For more information on KNM-WT 15000, click here.)

Another prominent paleoanthropologist was Louis Leakey, along with his wife Mary. The couple are primarily known for their work at the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania during the 1950s. They are credited with many finds in the region, but the most significant find of their careers was Mary's discovery of the first specimen of Homo habilis (nicknamed "Handy Man"). "Handy Man" lived between 2.4 and 1.4 million years ago in eastern and southern Africa. It is one of the earliest specimens of prehistoric humans and was thought, shortly after Leakey's discovery, to be the first prehistoric human to make and/or use stone tools. (This thought has been proven wrong, however, as evidence of stone tool use now extends further back in time than "Handy Man.")

Kimeu and Leakey became two of the most prominent discoverers and excavators in paleoanthropology. Along with other paleoanthropologists, they provided specimens that enabled others to trace the origins of human evolution further back in time than had ever before been accomplished.

(For information about touring the Olduvai Gorge and surrounding area, see "Adventures in the Serengeti" by Susann. For information about how archaeologists and paleoanthropologists date the fossils and artifacts they find, see this article by Kosmo.)

Another prominent role of paleoanthropologists is using the fossil record and other evidence to hypothesize about human evolution and the development of human cultures that coincided with our evolution.  However, paleoanthropologists do not just have to write about what they think; they also have to be able to defend it in the presence of their colleagues, the media, and other professionals.

Eugene Dubois, who in the 1890s made several discoveries with his team on Java, is a prime example.  "Java Man," a series of fossils that Dubois supposed came from the same individual, was on of his most important discoveries and gained him notable publicity after publication of his findings in 1894.  He named the fossils Pithecanthropus erectus, describing it as an intermediary between apes and humans.  Shortly after his publication, he returned to Europe to promote his hypothesis, but encountered many scientists who disagreed with him.  Eventually, Dubois ceased participating in the debates about his findings, withdrawing from public life.  However, future findings supported his hypothesis that "Java Man" was an intermediary between apes and humans.  

Paleoanthropologists also have a myriad of other roles that they may occupy in conjunction with discovery, excavation, and hypothesizing.  

First, they may become museum curators.  In his later life, Kimeu became the curator for all prehistoric sites in Kenya through the Kenya National Museum, during which he directed surveys and oversaw excavations at all the sites under his jurisdiction.  

Second, many choose to teach at universities, which provide a source of funding and encourage publication while helping to educate the next generation of professionals.  Dubois began his career at Amsterdam University as an anatomy lecturer.  Many others begin or end their careers in university settings.

Finally, many others choose to publish their findings and the findings of others.  Raymond Dart, noted for his discovery of the "Taung baby" (the first specimen of Australopithecus africanus), published his findings in Nature magazine in the 1920s.  Louis and Mary Leakey were profiled in many issues of National Geographic magazine during their excavations at Olduvai Gorge.  Today, many magazines publish articles and profiles of excavations in progress, such as in National Geographic and Archaeology.  Publishing findings helps to gain recognition for one's work, allows the dispersal of knowledge in the academic community, and serves as a source for other paleoanthropologists to begin their work.