Lucy was once the oldest known member of the human family. Fifty years after her discovery in Ethiopia, her remains still raise many questions.
In a simple room at the National Museum of Ethiopia, Lucy’s bones, which are 3.18 million years old, are carefully taken out of storage and placed on a table.
Her remains include teeth, skull pieces, parts of her pelvis, and a femur. Lucy is a famous Australopithecus afarensis.
A team of scientists found Lucy on November 24, 1974, in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The lead scientists were Maurice Taieb, Yves Coppens, Donald Johanson, Jon Kalb, and Raymonde Bonnefille.
They discovered 52 bone fragments, which make up about 40 percent of her skeleton. This helped change our understanding of human ancestors.
Researchers originally called her A.L-288-1, but they later named her Lucy after a Beatles song.
Lucy walked on two legs and was about 1.10 meters tall. She likely died between the ages of 11 and 13.
Scientists continue to learn about her life. Many questions remain about how she lived.
The museum often gets requests for research, but Lucy’s remains do not leave Ethiopia.
New technology helps scientists study her bones and learn even more.
© Agence France-Presse
Vocabulary List:
- Remains /rɪˈmeɪnz/ (noun): The parts of a person or animal that are left after death.
- Skeleton /ˈskɛl.ɪ.tən/ (noun): The framework of bones that supports the body of a person or animal.
- Understanding /ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd.ɪŋ/ (noun): The knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
- Researchers /rɪˈsÉœËr.tʃərz/ (noun): People who conduct systematic investigations to establish facts.
- Technology /tɛkˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/ (noun): The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
- Discovered /dɪsˈkʌv.ərd/ (verb): Found or identified something for the first time.
How much do you know?
When was Lucy discovered?
What is the age of Lucy's remains?
What was Lucy's species?
How much of Lucy's skeleton was discovered?
What was the original designation of Lucy?
How tall was Lucy estimated to be?
Lucy was discovered in the National Museum of Ethiopia.
Lucy likely died between the ages of 15 and 17.
New technology has not contributed to the study of Lucy's bones.
Only a few bone fragments of Lucy have been found.
Lucy was named after a Pink Floyd song.
Lucy belongs to the species Homo habilis.
Lucy is a famous .
Lucy walked on legs.
Lucy's remains are years old.
Lucy was discovered in the Afar region of .
Lucy likely died between the ages of and 13.
Lucy was named after a song.