New Fossil Proves Lucy’s Species Coexisted with Another Relative Species

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — A new fossil discovered at Woranso-Mille, Ethiopia, has revealed that Lucy’s species co-existed with another relative species, Arizona State University researcher Yohannes Haile-Selassie reveled today.

The Australopithecus deyiremeda, a little-known early human ancestor that lived 3.4 million years, was discovered in 2009.

Ethiopian Heritage Authority Director-General, Abebaw Ayalew, and Arizona State University Institute of Human Origins' Director and Researcher, Professor Yohannes Haile Selassie, gave a joint statement regarding the puzzle that followed the discovery.

During the briefing, Arizona State University paleoanthropologist Yohannes Haile Selassie said the species, first hinted at in 2009 with the discovery of a mysterious fossilized foot at Burtele in the Woranso-Mille area of the Afar Region, has long puzzled scientists.

Studying the juvenile jawbone that matched the same age and geological layer as the foot, scientists were able to confidently assign the foot to Australopithecus deyiremeda.

Australopithecus deyiremeda was more primitive in some traits than Australopithecus afarensis.

The discovery indicated that the unique features show combination of climbing ability and bipedal walking.

Professor Yohannes added that the updated understanding of Australopithecus deyiremeda offers valuable clues about early human diversity, showing coexistence between Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus deyiremeda.

The species lived at the same time and in the same area as Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis, long considered the dominant early human ancestor of that era, it was learned.

Ethiopian Heritage Authority Director-General, Abebaw Ayalew, said the discovery of Australopithecus deyiremeda is additional evidence that proves that Ethiopia is a cradle of humankind.

This would also strengthen Ethiopia's place in the birthplace of humankind and enhance Ethiopia’s place in additional research area, he added.

The Director-General finally applauded the discovery and commended the research team for their dedicated work in bringing the finding to global attention and emphasized on the need to cultivate more researchers to drive even greater achievements in the field.