Homo afarensis (3-4 million years BP)

This is a reconstruction of an ancient human ancestor based on the assumption that humans evolved in a fringe habitat where woodlands were becoming increasingly sparse, connected by river and lake systems. Early humans adapted to this environment by becoming semi-aquatic, following river systems and exploiting the opportunities of a varied habitat. All ancient human finds are associated with water habitats. In this theory human features such as skin, noses etc evolved in response to an exposure to regular contact with a water environment, as proposed by the Aquatic Ape Theory.