Main Answer:
The discovery of Kenyanthropus in 1999 expanded our understanding of human evolution.
Explanation:
The Kenyanthropus discovery in 1999 marked a significant breakthrough in paleoanthropology. The findings, attributed to a hominid species dating back to about 3.5 million years ago, challenged the prevailing views on human evolution. The fossils, particularly the skull KNM-WT 40000, suggested a unique branch in the hominid family tree, distinct from Australopithecus and Homo species.
This discovery prompted researchers to reconsider existing theories about the diversity of early hominids and their role in the evolutionary process. The distinct features of Kenyanthropus provided valuable insights into the complex web of human ancestry, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of our evolutionary history.