Which of the following is true regarding the recent Homo naledi fossil discovery?

• A. Homo naledi is believed to have lived only 10,000 years ago.
• B. Homo naledi fossils were discovered in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa.
• C. The fossils showed evidence of advanced tool use similar to Homo sapiens.
• D. Homo naledi fossils were found in North America.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the context of the question. Homo naledi is a species of extinct hominin that has been studied extensively in paleoanthropology. The question asks about the recent discovery of Homo naledi fossils and which statement is true regarding this discovery.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Homo naledi is believed to have lived only 10,000 years ago.' This is incorrect because Homo naledi is estimated to have lived approximately 236,000 to 335,000 years ago, based on radiometric dating of the fossils.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'The correct answer is: Homo naledi fossils were discovered in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa.' This is correct. The fossils were indeed discovered in the Rising Star Cave system, located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa.
4. Step 4: Analyze the third statement: 'The fossils showed evidence of advanced tool use similar to Homo sapiens.' This is incorrect. While Homo naledi exhibited some complex behaviors, there is no conclusive evidence of advanced tool use comparable to that of Homo sapiens.
5. Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement: 'Homo naledi fossils were found in North America.' This is incorrect. Homo naledi fossils have only been found in South Africa, specifically in the Rising Star Cave system. Therefore, the second statement is the correct answer.