Wednesday, February 12, 2025

1974 Discovery That Changed Our Understanding of Human Origins

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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:

  1. Remains /rɪˈmeɪnz/ (noun): The parts of a person or animal that are left after death.
  2. Skeleton /ˈskɛl.ɪ.tən/ (noun): The framework of bones that supports the body of a person or animal.
  3. Understanding /ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd.ɪŋ/ (noun): The knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
  4. Researchers /rɪˈsÉœËr.tʃərz/ (noun): People who conduct systematic investigations to establish facts.
  5. Technology /tɛkˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/ (noun): The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
  6. Discovered /dɪsˈkʌv.ərd/ (verb): Found or identified something for the first time.

How much do you know?


When was Lucy discovered?
November 24, 1974
January 1, 1980
May 15, 1965
September 10, 1999


What is the age of Lucy's remains?
1 million years old
3.18 million years old
500,000 years old
10,000 years old


What was Lucy's species?
Homo sapiens
Australopithecus afarensis
Neanderthal
Cro-Magnon


How much of Lucy's skeleton was discovered?
20 percent
60 percent
40 percent
80 percent


What was the original designation of Lucy?
A.L-288-1
Jane Doe
Lucinda
A.F-1974


How tall was Lucy estimated to be?
0.80 meters
1.50 meters
1.10 meters
2.00 meters


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.

This question is required

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