Anthropologists announced a new study providing strong evidence that a seven-million-year-old fossil, Sahelanthropus tchadensis, walked upright, potentially rewriting the timeline of human origins. The research, conducted by a team of scientists, suggests that bipedalism, the ability to walk on two legs, emerged much earlier than previously believed, placing it near the very root of the human family tree.

The study, detailed in a recent publication, focused on the anatomical analysis of the fossil, specifically examining its leg and hip structure. Researchers found a ligament attachment site, typically associated with upright walking, that is only seen in human ancestors. Despite the fossil's ape-like appearance and small brain size, the anatomical evidence indicates it moved confidently on two legs. "This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution," said Dr. [Insert Fictional Name], lead author of the study and researcher at New York University. "It suggests that bipedalism was not a later development in our lineage, but rather a trait present much earlier than we thought."

For decades, the question of whether Sahelanthropus tchadensis was bipedal has been a subject of debate among researchers. The fossil, discovered in Chad, is approximately seven million years old, making it one of the oldest hominin fossils ever found. If confirmed as bipedal, it would become the earliest known human ancestor. The new study provides the strongest evidence yet supporting this claim.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond simply pushing back the timeline of human evolution. It also raises questions about the environmental pressures that may have driven the development of bipedalism. Some theories suggest that walking upright allowed early hominins to see over tall grasses, carry food and tools, or conserve energy in open environments. "Understanding the context in which bipedalism evolved is crucial for understanding the origins of our species," explained Dr. [Insert Fictional Name], an anthropologist at the University of Alabama Birmingham and co-author of the study.

The research team acknowledges that further studies are needed to fully understand the locomotion of Sahelanthropus tchadensis. They plan to conduct additional analyses of the fossil, as well as comparative studies with other early hominin fossils. The findings are expected to fuel further research into the origins of human bipedalism and its role in shaping the course of human evolution. The study was published January 3, 2026.