Scientists sceptical over 'Homo naledi' discovery

(AGI) Cape Town, Sept 11 - The discovery of "Homo naledi" hasbeen greeted with criticism around the world, especially inSouth Africa, where the hominoid was found. South Africanpolitical scientist and academic Mathole Motshekgak said it wasa rough attempt to link the origins of coloured people tobaboons, and described the find as insignificant. Professor TimWhite of the University of Berkeley, said it was a matter ofpure speculation. The area was just a test site and many otherbones remained there. Christoph Zollikofer of the University ofZurich said it was difficult to tell whether the bones were2.5-2.8 million years old, but many were seen in moreprimitive animals. The unique features required furtherscrutiny, he said. It was announced on Thursday that fossilisedbones of a potential new species of human relative had beenfound in the Naledi or Rising Star cave 50 kilometres fromJohannesburg. "Homo naledi" was the name of the cave in whichthe remains were found. "Naledi" means star in the Sesotholanguage spoken by some South African tribes. (AGI). .