Researchers have used distinct markers from human subpopulations to trace back to our common African root in a giant human "tree." However, a “trellis” model might be more appropriate.

A recently unearthed hominin, Australopithecus deyiremeda, found in the Afar region of Ethiopia, adds a new species to our our family tree -- one that lived between 3.3 and 3.5 million years ago.