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Evolution Life on Earth People Places

Botswana: Birthplace of Modern Humans

The question of where the evolutionary cradle of modern humans lies has long intrigued scientists and historians. The East African Great Rift Valley has traditionally been viewed as the most likely birthplace. However, revolutionary research conducted recently presents a compelling alternative.

This groundbreaking study utilizes DNA evidence to trace back the origins of mankind to a prehistoric wetland known as Makgadikgadi-Okavango, located south of the Great Zambezi River. This finding significantly shifts the focus of anthropological inquiry from East Africa to Southern Africa.

In a landmark study published in the prestigious journal Nature, it was revealed that the earliest population of H. sapiens sapiens, our direct ancestors, emerged approximately 200,000 years ago in an area that encompasses parts of what is now modern-day Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The research unraveled a hitherto unappreciated chapter of human history, infusing fresh life into the story of human evolution. This revelation underscores the intricate tapestry of the human lineage and affirms the complexities underlying our understanding of human evolution.

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Life on Earth Animals Places

Finland (Wild Scandinavia) – Amazing Video

An amazing video with scenes from the documentary Wild Scandinavia Episode 5 (Finland), with background music of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ great work Finlandia, Op. 26.

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Environment Places Travel

The Impact of Overtourism on our Environment

When you think of the Grand Canyon or the Great Smoky Mountains, beautiful scenery immediately comes to mind. You might begin to imagine the incredible views, towering cliffs, lush landscapes, and color schemes that far exceed anything you’ve ever seen in a painting.

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Places

Tadrart Rouge of Algeria – “The Mars on Earth”

Algeria’s Tadrart Rouge is probably the closest place you can find on Earth that kinda looks like Mars.

Meaning “Red Tadrart”, Tadrart Rouge is a mountain range in southeastern Algeria, part of the Algerian Desert. The area is roughly 15-30 kilometers (9.3-18.6 miles) large and 150 kilometers (93 miles) long.

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Space Exploration Earth from Space Places

Venice from space [amazing photo]

This perfectly-timed image of Venice from space was captured by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission. A blanket of clouds approaches the historic city’s famous lagoon but seemingly stops short against the Lido sandbar (Lido di Venezia)! You can easily spot the S-shaped Grand Canal (Canale Grande).

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Places

The shortest international bridge in the world: El Marco

There’s a bridge called “El Marco” between Portugal and Spain. With a length of 3.2 meters (10.4 feet), it’s the shortest international bridge in the world. It connects the Spanish municipality of La Codosera (located in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura) with the Portuguese Arronches (in Portalegre District).

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Places Earth from Space Space Exploration

On Earth Day, NASA wants to see the Earth around you

NASA tweeted this morning and said that “Good morning Europe and Africa! Celebrate Earth Day today by sharing with NASA a photo of the gorgeous planet we call home. Show us how you #PictureEarth around you.”

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Places

The Call of Science (360° NASA Video)

NASA has recently published a 360-degree interactive video titled “The call of science”. You can join NASA Earth scientists as they head into the field to study ice in Greenland and coral reefs in Hawaii.

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Planet Earth Astronomy Places

50 Interesting Facts About Earth

One of the most surprising facts about the Earth is how we easily forget that what an amazing and interesting planet we live on. As Carl Sagan pointed out, “It’s home, it’s us”. It is the only known planet to support an atmosphere with free oxygen, liquid water on the surface, and, perhaps this is the most important amazing, life. Here are 50 interesting facts about Earth.

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Places

10 Iconic Bridges Around the World You Must Cross

The history of bridges started in ancient times – dating back to Mesopotamia. In the beginning, they were incredibly simple structures built using natural resources like wooden logs, stone, and dirt. But over the course of time, bridges became far more significant than helping civilization get from one land mass to another. They have managed to influence our cultures and improve the way we travel, do business and forge policies.