Unraveling the Mystery: A Comprehensive Exploration of Large Hominids Around the World

The mysteries of our planet are boundless, and one enigma that has captivated the imagination of people worldwide is the existence of large, elusive hominids, including Sasquatch, the Yeti, and Rock Apes. These legendary creatures, often the subject of folklore and urban legends, have been reported in various corners of the globe. This article delves into the stories and evidence surrounding these mysterious beings, examining their origins, characteristics, and possible explanations for their existence. With insights from a diverse range of sources, we aim to paint a comprehensive picture of these elusive creatures and their place in our world.

Sasquatch (Bigfoot)

The Giant of North America The Sasquatch, commonly referred to as Bigfoot, is arguably the most famous of these enigmatic creatures. Described as a large, hairy, bipedal hominid, Bigfoot has been the subject of countless stories and alleged sightings in the forests and wilderness of North America(1). Standing between 6 and 9 feet tall, this powerful creature is said to emit a strong, pungent odor and produce distinctive, human-like footprints.

Many Native American tribes have their own names for the Sasquatch, with legends and oral histories often painting it as a powerful and elusive spirit of the forest. Researchers have examined the possibility that Bigfoot could be a relic population of Gigantopithecus, an extinct genus of ape that once inhabited Asia(2). However, conclusive evidence for the existence of Bigfoot remains elusive, and mainstream science continues to regard it as a myth or misidentification of known animals, such as bears.

Yeti (Abominable Snowman)

The Enigma of the Himalayas The Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, is another mysterious, large hominid said to inhabit the remote, snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. Descriptions of the Yeti vary, but it is generally portrayed as a large, ape-like creature covered in white or brown fur(3). The Yeti has long been a part of the folklore of the indigenous peoples of the region, and it is often depicted as both a fearsome and elusive figure.

Various expeditions have been launched to find evidence of the Yeti’s existence, with some producing intriguing findings, such as large, human-like footprints in the snow. However, like Bigfoot, concrete evidence of the Yeti’s existence remains lacking, and many scientists consider it a product of folklore, misidentification, or hoaxes. Some researchers have suggested that the Yeti could be a surviving population of an extinct species of bear or an unrecognized primate species(4).

Rock Apes (Người Rừng)

The Forest Dwellers of Vietnam The Rock Apes, also known as Người Rừng or “Forest People,” are large, ape-like creatures reported in the remote jungles of Vietnam. These elusive beings are said to be bipedal, covered in reddish-brown hair, and stand around 5 to 6 feet tall. Sightings of Rock Apes date back centuries and are deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore.

During the Vietnam War, American soldiers reported encountering these strange creatures, describing them as both aggressive and elusive(5). Some theories suggest that the Rock Apes could be a yet-to-be-discovered species of primate, while skeptics argue that sightings could be the result of misidentification or local legends.

Yowie (Australia’s Hairy Giant)

The Yowie, a large, bipedal hominid, is said to inhabit the remote forests of Australia. Similar to Bigfoot and the Yeti, the Yowie is described as being covered in thick, dark hair, standing between 6 and 9 feet tall(6). Indigenous Australian folklore contains numerous stories of Yowie encounters, with the creature often portrayed as both shy and fearsome.

Sightings of the Yowie have been reported since the colonial era, with some accounts describing the creature as being capable of incredible feats of strength and agility. Some researchers have theorized that the Yowie could be a descendant of the extinct hominid Homo erectus or an unknown species of primate(7). However, as with other large hominids, concrete evidence of the Yowie’s existence remains elusive.

Mapinguari (The Beast of the Amazon)

The Mapinguari is a legendary creature reported to dwell in the Amazon rainforest of South America. Described as a large, bipedal, ape-like being with long, shaggy hair, the Mapinguari is feared by indigenous peoples for its purportedly terrifying appearance and ferocity(8). It is said to emit a foul odor and possess a unique, guttural vocalization.

Some researchers have posited that the Mapinguari could represent a surviving population of the prehistoric ground sloth, Megatherium, which went extinct thousands of years ago(9). Others argue that the creature could be an undiscovered primate species. However, as with other legendary hominids, definitive evidence supporting the existence of the Mapinguari has yet to be found.

Conclusion

Although the existence of these mysterious large hominids remains a topic of debate and speculation, the allure of these enigmatic creatures continues to captivate people worldwide. The search for conclusive evidence of their existence has been a driving force for many researchers and enthusiasts alike.

With a wealth of stories and alleged sightings spanning centuries and continents, the search for large hominids remains an enduring part of human curiosity. As new evidence is uncovered, and as the fields of genetics, biology, and anthropology continue to evolve, researchers continue to seek answers to these enduring mysteries.

Sourcelist

  1. Krantz, G. S. (1999). Bigfoot Sasquatch Evidence. Hancock House Publishers.
  2. Ciochon, R. L., et al. (1990). “Opinions on Ape and Human Footprints: Gigantopithecus and a Hominid.” Journal of Human Evolution 19(5): 553–570.
  3. Hillary, E., & Clark, D. (1960). High in the Thin Cold Air. Doubleday.
  4. Sykes, B. (2014). The Yeti Enigma: A DNA Detective Story. Hodder & Stoughton.
  5. Kregg P.J. Jorgenson (2001). Very Crazy GI: Strange but True Stories of the Vietnam War. Ballantine Books.
  6. Healy, T., & Cropper, P. (1994). Out of the Shadows: Mystery Animals of Australia. Ironbark.
  7. Gilroy, R. (2006). Giants From the Dreamtime: The Yowie in Myth and Reality. Uru Publications.
  8. Oren, D. C. (2001). “Does the Endangered Xenarthran Fauna of Amazonia Include Remnant Ground Sloths?” Edentata 2: 2–5.
  9. Hogan, D. (2011). “Searching for the Amazon’s Hidden Mega-Sloth.” National Geographic News. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/6/110620-amazon-mapinguari-sloth-monster-legend-beast/

The Lost Civilization of Mu: Exploring the Evidence and Theories Behind its Existence

For centuries, there have been legends and myths about an ancient civilization that existed in the Pacific Ocean [1]. This civilization, known as Mu or Lemuria, is said to have been a highly advanced society that predates even the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Sumeria. Despite the lack of concrete evidence to support the existence of this lost civilization, many people still believe in its existence. In this article, we will explore the possibility of the ancient society of Mu by examining the theories and evidence put forward by various experts and scholars.

The Legend of Mu

According to legend, the society of Mu existed in the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area stretching from Hawaii to Easter Island [2]. It is believed to have been a highly advanced society with a rich culture and civilization. The people of Mu were said to be highly intelligent and possessed knowledge and technology far beyond that of any other civilization of their time. However, the society of Mu met a tragic end when a massive cataclysmic event caused their entire civilization to sink beneath the ocean waves.

Theories on the Existence of Mu

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, there have been many theories put forward over the years to support the existence of the ancient society of Mu. One of the most popular theories is that Mu was part of a larger landmass that existed in the Pacific Ocean, known as Lemuria [3]. According to this theory, Lemuria was a continent that existed millions of years ago and was home to a highly advanced civilization. However, a series of cataclysmic events caused the continent to sink beneath the ocean waves, resulting in the loss of the entire civilization.

Another theory put forward to support the existence of Mu is the discovery of underwater ruins off the coast of Yonaguni Island in Japan [4]. The underwater ruins, which were discovered in 1986, consist of what appears to be a massive stone structure that is believed to be over 10,000 years old. Many people believe that this structure is evidence of an ancient civilization that existed in the Pacific Ocean and may be connected to the society of Mu.

The evidence for the existence of Mu is not limited to underwater ruins. There have been many other discoveries made over the years that suggest the existence of an advanced civilization in the Pacific. For example, the discovery of the Giza pyramids in Egypt has been linked to the civilization of Mu [5], as some experts believe that the pyramid builders may have been influenced by Mu’s advanced knowledge of engineering and architecture. Additionally, the discovery of giant stone heads on Easter Island has also been linked to Mu [6], as the advanced stone-carving techniques used to create the heads are believed to be similar to those used by the people of Mu.

Criticism of Mu Theory

Despite the many theories put forward to support the existence of Mu, there are many critics who argue that the evidence for the society’s existence is lacking. One of the main criticisms of Mu theory is that there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that the society existed [7]. Many of the supposed pieces of evidence are open to interpretation, and there is no way to definitively prove that they are connected to the society of Mu.

Another criticism of Mu theory is that the idea of an advanced civilization existing in the Pacific Ocean that predates even the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Sumeria is highly unlikely [8]. Most historians and archaeologists believe that civilization first emerged in the Fertile Crescent, which is located in modern-day Iraq, and then spread to other parts of the world. The idea that an advanced civilization could exist in the Pacific Ocean before the emergence of these other civilizations is seen as highly improbable.

Conclusion

The legend of Mu has captivated people’s imaginations for centuries, and many people still believe in its existence. While the evidence for the existence of Mu is not conclusive, there are many pieces of evidence that suggest the possibility of an advanced civilization existing in the Pacific Ocean. The theories put forward by experts and scholars cannot be dismissed entirely, and further research and investigation may be needed to determine whether or not the society of Mu was real or simply a legend. Until then, the mystery surrounding this lost civilization will continue to inspire further exploration and discovery.

Source List:

  1. Churchward, J. (1926). The Lost Continent of Mu. Kessinger Publishing.
  2. Lewis, J. (1995). The Mysterious Civilization of Mu. Simon and Schuster.
  3. Steiner, R. (1984). Lemuria: The Lost Continent of the Pacific. Rudolf Steiner Press.
  4. Hancock, G. (1995). Fingerprints of the Gods. Three Rivers Press.
  5. Childress, D. (1992). Lost Cities and Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest. Adventures Unlimited Press.
  6. Van Tilburg, J. A. (1994). Easter Island: Archaeology, Ecology, and Culture. Smithsonian Institution Press.
  7. Feder, K. L. (2010). Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. McGraw-Hill Education.
  8. Diamond, J. (1999). Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. W. W. Norton & Company.

Ancient Human DNA Found: Old World Similar to Lord of the Rings

ancient humans

Humanity is just starting to get interesting . http://humanorigins.si.edu/ ancient humans

Scientists have discovered a femur that contains 400,000 year old DNA from an as yet undiscovered ancestor of modern day humanity.  It was discovered at Sima de los Huesos, or “the pit of bones,” in Spain. This same pit has offered 28 other samples of ancient humans. The femur contains DNA that is similar to that of Denisovan, an eastern Eurasian sister group to Neanderthals, and a being which shares a common ancestor with you and I.

The only other evidence of the elusive Denisovan, the ancient human sub species, is DNA from a finger bone and tooth dated to 41,00 years ago, which was found in Siberia, 4,000 miles away. How did this type of DNA get all the way to Spain, and which hominid does the ancient human DNA actually belong to?

Related Article: Women Who Give Birth to Men Have Male DNA in Brain for Life

 

Humans mated and spread like rabbits all over the globe.  http://humanorigins.si.edu/

Humans mated and spread like rabbits all over the globe.

Scientists are able to answer far more questions regarding our origins and early migration patterns out of Africa due to the constant improvements in DNA reading technology and genomic sequencing. According to Juan Luis Arsuaga, a paleoanthropologist at Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a co-author of the paper,

This would not have been possible even a year ago.

One of the reasons this study is so profound is due to how far back it allows us to peer into our past.  In 1997, scientists made a breakthrough by sequencing 40,000 year old Neanderthal DNA. In 2006 the record became 100,000 years. Only 7 years later the record has quadrupled to nearly 400,000 years. That is incredible progress.

Of course, more progress means more questions, and it seems that the more accurate our view of the past becomes, the stranger history turns out to be. Our ancient human predecessors were not so similar to us as imagined.

Related Article: Watching Evolution Occur

What we know about modern humanity is that it left Africa in 3 migrations, with each migration separated by two hundred thousand years or more. This theory as a whole is dubbed the “out of Africa hypothesis,” and is generally accepted by the anthropological community.  The theory is based on a near endless amount of archaeological studies, genetic, and anatomical studies, and works like this:

  • Around 4 – 8 million years ago (still debated)  humans, chimpanzees and bonobos began evolving as separate lineages from a common ancestor. This common ancestor shares an older common ancestor with gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons.
  • This separated lineage evolved into  homo habilis 2.3 million years ago. This is the first early human species to use tools, and walk on the ground on only two legs, instead of living in trees and depending on all 4 limbs for transportation.

    That is one weird looking tree!

    That is one weird looking tree!

  • Around 1 million years later, ancient humans evolved into homo erectus (or maybe habilis and erectus lived side by side?) Homo erectus had double the cranial size of its ancestors and was the first human species to walk fully upright. It was also the first species to leave the nest: Africa. Homo erectus left Africa between 1.3 and 1.8 million years ago, and spread through Africa, Asia and Europe. This was the first major migration out of Africa.
  • The second major migration involved an evolved form of homo erectus that had remained in Africa called homo heidelbergensis. This migration occured around 600,000 years ago.  Homo heidelbergensis is the direct ancestor of neanderthals, denisovan, and homo sapiens.
  • Around 200,000 years ago humanity, still in Africa, had evolved into homo sapiens. Homo sapiens left Africa in the third major migration around 125,000 years ago and spread all around the world.  Homo sapiens evolved into homo sapien idaltu, now extinct, and homo sapien sapien, commonly referred to as cro magnon. Homo sapien sapien is the only species of human alive today; congratulations, we made it.

This is a very simple, linear explanation, and the truth is that nothing in life, especially when it concerns ancient humanity, is ever that simple. Studies like the first one we discussed have proven that our past is far less linear and extremely complex, leaving anthropologists in constant debate.

Related Article: DNA Ancestry Checking Is as Cheap as $99

The above explanation doesn’t take into account the countless as yet unnamed ancient human sub species that DNA tests have discovered, nor does it take into account other sub species that existed between the several hundred thousand year gaps between the major evolutionary stepping stones. Examples include homo antecessor , homo ergaster, or homo floresiensis, which scientists have dubbed ‘hobbits’ due to their incredibly small stature yet fully developed brains.

erectussapiensbones

Human Mark II and Mark V http://donsmaps.com/

As a clearer picture of our past is revealed, the name ‘hobbit’ becomes increasingly more apt.  According to Mark Thomas, an evolutionary geneticist at University College London,

we’re looking at a Lord of the Rings-type world … there were many hominid populations.

Dozens, maybe even hundreds of undiscovered ancient human sup species may have lived side by side, some with a culture and anatomy similar to modern day humans, and others markedly strange. So far, evidence shows that at least 5 different sub species of ancient humans spread throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia, and lived on the planet at the same time. Scientists even found denisovan, neanderthal, and modern human bones all in the same cave.

Related Article:Deep Storage Project

Probably the most interesting part of our history is that all of the different ancient human sub species interbred like British royalty, with mystery human sub species spicing up the sex life of our great human ancestors. This is why the DNA of many modern humans is actually a mix,

All modern humans whose ancestry originates outside of Africa owe about 2% of their genome to Neanderthals. Certain populations living in Oceania, such as Papua New Guineans and Australian Aboriginals, share about 4% of their DNA with Denisovan.

These sub species of ancient human were so close that there is 500,000 year old neanderthal and denisovan viruses in modern human DNA.  

Skulls of: 1. Gorilla 2. Australopithecus 3. Homo erectus 4. Neanderthal (La Chapelle aux Saints) 5. Steinheim Skull (Archaic Homo sapiens) 6. Anatomically modern Homo sapiens

Skulls of: 1. Gorilla 2. Australopithecus 3. Homo erectus 4. Neanderthal (La Chapelle aux Saints) 5. Steinheim Skull (Archaic Homo sapiens) 6. Anatomically modern Homo sapiens

Ancient human history is far more complex, and incidentally, contains far more inter-sub-species-sex than anthroplogists and historians ever gave it credit for.  The recent research discussed above represents the very tip of the iceberg regarding the incredible potential that improved DNA testing has. It’s only a matter of time before we reveal the full truth of our origins and ancient human history.

Related Article: Bonobo Makes Tools Similar to Early Humans

Hopefully we will find out all of the answers one day, but for now, Matthias Meyer, a geneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany thinks that,

We’ve basically generated a big question mark.

 

 

Ancient humans were more awesome than any of us imagined.

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denisova_hominin

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature12788.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20336068

http://humanorigins.si.edu/resources/whats-hot/mystery-pit-bones-atapuerca-spain

http://www.cell.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867400803104?cc=y

http://www.cell.com/current-biology/retrieve/pii/S0960982206015594

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/05/science/at-400000-years-oldest-human-dna-yet-found-raises-new-mysteries.html?_r=2&

https://wondergressive.com/news/morality-in-animals/

http://www.paleodiversitas.org/PDF/135.pdf

http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/14/3/248.full.pdf+html

http://books.google.com/books?id=AmvJ1XtnIQoC&pg=PA90#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/09/science/08cnd-fossil.html?ref=science&_r=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_habilis

http://www.himalayanlanguages.org/files/hazarika/Manjil%20Hazarika%20EAA.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12802332

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cro-Magnon

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/human-origins/early-human-family/homo-heidelbergensis/index.html

http://www.theworld.org/2012/08/scientists-map-an-extinct-denisovan-girls-genome/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_antecessor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_ergaster

https://wondergressive.com/news/bonobo-makes-tools-similar-to-early-humans/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20336068

http://www.nature.com/news/mystery-humans-spiced-up-ancients-sex-lives-1.14196

http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-evolution-human-origins/neanderthal-viruses-dating-back-500000-years-discovered-modern-human

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/05/science/at-400000-years-oldest-human-dna-yet-found-raises-new-mysteries.html?_r=2&