Evolution tied to Earth movement

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This map shows the chain of highlands and mountain ranges that University of Utah geologists Royhan and Nahid Gani dub the Wall of Africa. Higher elevations are shown in reddish tones and lower elevations in green and blue. The Ganis say most of this ...
This map shows the chain of highlands and mountain ranges that University of Utah geologists Royhan and Nahid Gani dub "the Wall of Africa." Higher elevations are shown in reddish tones and lower elevations in green and blue. The Ganis say most of this "wall" was uplifted during the past 7 million years, when humans and their ancestors evolved in Africa. Credit: Nahid Gani

Scientists long have focused on how climate and vegetation allowed human ancestors to evolve in Africa. Now, University of Utah geologists are calling renewed attention to the idea that ground movements formed mountains and valleys, creating environments that favored the emergence of humanity.


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