World's Only Known Homo Naledi Burial Site May Be Entirely Female

Key Points:

• Researchers examined dental enamel proteins of Homo naledi fossils from South Africa's Rising Star cave, finding no evidence of Y chromosome-linked peptides, suggesting a surprising lack of males or possibly an all-female group among at least 20 individuals dated between 236,000 and 335,000 years ago.
• The absence of male-specific amelogenin Y peptides could indicate either an exclusively female burial site or a genetic mutation/deletion of the amelogenin Y gene due to low genetic diversity or inbreeding within the population.
• If Rising Star is indeed a burial site reserved for females, this might support the controversial theory that Homo naledi practiced deliberate burial rituals, although this claim remains debated and requires further evidence.
• The study highlights the value of ancient protein analysis in warm climates for sex determination of fossils and contributes to understanding Homo naledi's biology and social practices despite their relatively small brain size.
• Some scientists remain skeptical about the burial theory and the completeness of evidence, emphasizing the need for additional research to clarify the implications of these findings for Homo naledi's evolution and behavior.