For those who remember Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer from Saturday Night Live, researchers have uncovered evidence that Phil Hartman's spoof may not be quite as much of an exaggeration as once thought.
Although it is unlikely pre-neanderthal humans had lawyers or three-piece suits, Serge Lebel, associate professor in the earth sciences department at the University of Quebec in Montreal, led a team that uncovered teeth and jaw fossils that show humans up to 175,000 years ago had far more civilized cultures than once assumed.
Erik Trinkaus, professor of anthropology at Washington University, studied the fossils. He was able to conclude that the early humans appeared to take care of their communities and families. Previously, humans from that time period were thought to be more isolationists.
Apparently the person to whom the teeth belonged was able to stay alive far longer than if he were on is own, leading the researchers to believe he relied on his community for aid.
