Evolutionary secrets of the hominin head

Can the inner ear of hominin fossils tell us how our ancient ancestors moved? How they heard the world around them? Can their brain be studied to reveal insights into their behaviors? 

These are questions at the forefront of work done by Dr Amélie Beaudet, a paleoanthropologist and junior professor at the Palevoprim Laboratory at CNRS & the University of Poitiers, France.

“I study cranial structures, like the inner ear and the brain endocast, that shed light on fossil hominin behaviours and their evolution,” says Beaudet. 

Having held various roles across the South African paleoanthropological landscape, and currently a CNRS junior professor, Beaudet’s research has markedly impacted the field.

On a recent visit to the University of Cape Town (UCT) where she met with the Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI) Co-director Prof Rebecca Ackermann. She touched on this research, commemorating the Taung Child discovery, and HERI’s work to support representation in human evolution.

Becoming human

Beaudet’s research focuses on human evolution by examining Australopithecus, a potential ancestor of the genus Homo. Specifically, she investigates biological traits in hominins that may signify pivotal shifts in the evolutionary process of ‘becoming human’.

According to her, the hominin brain is the primary interface between early hominins and their changing environment. 

“The hominin brain shape, organisation and size changed dramatically over time,” Beaudet explains. “Investigating these changes through the fossil record can provide insights not only into how fossil hominins evolved but also into how they lived and interacted with their social and physical environments.”

In a paper published in a special issue of the South African Journal of Science (SAJS) to commemorate the Taung Child, she and colleagues critically examine the fossil’s impact on how researchers study fossil hominin brains and how they understand brain evolution.

“I am proud and honoured to contribute to this special issue on Taung, commemorating not only the centenary of this iconic hominin specimen but also the birth of the genus Australopithecus,” she says.

HUMANITY AND HERI

The SAJS special issue was edited by HERI Co-directors Professor Rebecca Ackermann and Associate Professor Robyn Pickering, along with HERI’s Dr Lauren Schroeder and UCT’s Dr Yonatan Sahle.

Their aim was to celebrate the remarkable breakthroughs in palaeoanthropology in Africa since the discovery, and to reflect on what the next 100 years may hold

Indeed, Beaudet acknowledged HERI’s commitment to enhancing diversity and representation in the field of human evolution. In particular, She highlighted the institute’s efforts to create opportunities for female students and to actively foster the next generation of researchers.

“The HERI field camp, in particular, is an exemplary initiative with the potential to make a real difference,” Beaudet says. 

“Additionally, its co-directors Rebecca Ackermann and Robyn Pickering, serve as inspiring role models for female students and researchers worldwide, exemplifying leadership and excellence as internationally renowned scientists.”