Homo naledi, recently discovered in south africa, has a sagittal keel, large browridge, thick cranial bones, and reduced tooth size. the brain size is small, close to 500cc. where might this new species fit in the larger pattern of human evolution in africa? a. h. naledi sits comfortably at the juncture of australopithecus and early homo, since all of its traits seem intermediate between the two. b. h. naledi demonstrates the exact mix of traits expected for a new homo fossil of this time period and this region. c. h. naledi has several traits that do not fit with the genus homo, including its large browridge and thick cranial bones; however, it must be homo because it is securely dated to 1 mya. d. h. naledi seems most likely a member of the genus homo; however, its small brain size is regarded as a primitive hominin trait more reminiscent of the australopithecines.