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'Ethiopia, Land of Origin': American Paleoanthropologist Affirms Ethiopia's Role in Human Ancestry

In 1974, Lucy, a remarkably complete 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton found in Ethiopia's Afar Depression, revealed key adaptations for bipedalism and challenged prevailing theories about early hominids. The discovery of Lucy revolutionized our understanding of human evolution.
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Renowned paleoanthropologist Professor Donald Johanson, discoverer of the famed Australopithecus Lucy remains in 1974, has emphatically stated that all humans can trace their roots back to Ethiopia, declaring the slogan "Ethiopia Land of Origin" to be entirely appropriate.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of Lucy's discovery in Addis Ababa, Professor Johanson highlighted Ethiopia's remarkable fossil record, spanning millions of years.

"It [Ethiopia] has a record of fossils from 6 million years ago up to the present," he told Ethiopian media. "So it is a very important country and helps us understand who we are, where we came from, and our place in the natural world."

Beyond its role in human evolution, Professor Johanson also praised Ethiopia's cultural and historical significance, urging visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
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He singled out the newly inaugurated Adwa Victory Memorial Museum as a testament to Ethiopia's unique history and resilience, emphasizing its importance for both Ethiopians and visitors from across Africa.
"I think that every person who visits Ethiopia as a tourist should come to this museum before they do anything else," he said. "It's one of the most beautiful, most informative places in terms of museums, not only in Ethiopia or in Africa, but in the world."
Professor Johanson also expressed his admiration for the growing number of young Ethiopian scholars engaged in cutting-edge paleoanthropological research, encouraging them to continue their vital work in unveiling the secrets of human origins.
"I encourage the Ethiopian youth, to get involved in this study of origins, because it’s so important for you to learn more about Ethiopia and teach the world about the importance of this wonderful country," the professor urged.