Oldest hominid fossil shows link between life in trees, walking upright

Originally discovered in 1992, researchers have confirmed the fossil known as “Ardipithecus ramidus” is our oldest ancestor (compared to Australopithecus afarensis, or Lucy, which is 3.2 million years old). (NY Times) “Ardi” was actually discovered just 140 miles from where Lucy turned up.

Is Ardi the missing link between monkeys and people? No. Genetic studies suggest that creature lived six million years ago. What Ardi shows (through her pelvis, teeth, etc) is the transition of hominids from life in the trees to walking upright (Lucy is fully adapted to walking upright).