During the Cenozoic time, East Africa has experienced
volcanic activity. Many fossil sites have been covered by layers of lava
flow and volcanic ash. This was a good benefit to a paleoanthropologist.
Scientist can now get an idea over how old the fossils are, due to the
layers of sediment. Some of the oldest fossils discovered thus far are
skull fragments, teeth, arm bones and a lower jaw bone. The remains were
buried deep in volcanic ash and has been dated as far as 4.4 million years
ago. There are four stages in the Cenozoic period that helped evolution
produce a mammal capable of shaping and controlling it's environment. These
four stages are the Australopithecine stage, Homo habilis stage,
Homo erectus stage and the Homo Sapiens stage.
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Australopithecus