Scientists have discovered a new human-like species in a burial chamber deep under a cave in South Africa, the BBC reported.

Researchers claim that the discovery will change ideas about the evolotion of human beings.

The studies which have been published in the journal Elife indicate that the individuals - 15 skeletons were discovered - were capable of ritual behaviour.

The species which has been named naledi has been classified in the grouping, or genus, Homo to which modern humans belong.

The researchers who made the find have not been able to find out how long ago these creatures lived - but the scientist who led the team, Prof Lee Berger, told BBC News that he believed they could be among the first of our kind (genus Homo) and could have lived in Africa up to three million years ago.

Homo naledi is unlike any primitive human found in Africa. It has a tiny brain - about the size of a gorilla's and a primitive pelvis and shoulders. But it is put into the same genus as humans because of the more progressive shape of its skull, relatively small teeth, characteristic long legs and modern-looking feet.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-34192447