Paleoanthropology is a subfield of biological anthropology that focuses on the evolutionary development of the human race. It does this primarily by examining fossil remains of early humans and other closely related species. Paleoanthropology also examines how early humans lived by investigating artifacts used by early humans and related species. This field is composed of many other specialties, in addition to biological anthropology; geology, paleontology, and archaeology are integral parts of this field. Focusing on the anthropology aspect of this field it is important to understand the physical progression and origins of humans because of the great impact it has on how different cultures are formed. An example of how paleoanthropologists use early human artifacts to make broader conclusions about human culture can be seen in the paper, “Special Issue: Personal Ornaments in Early Prehistory Humans’ Earliest Personal Ornaments: An Introduction” Which explains the cultural and developmental significance of personal ornaments. The paper explains how the earliest personal ornaments are thought to be beads, usually composed of shells. While there is no precise date for how early this practice started it is clear that it dates to be historic times as evidence has been found that early humans, Neanderthals, and other Hominids all participated in some form of personal ornamenting. Probably the most significant aspect of personal ornamentation is that it shows a species ability to create and understand symbols. This is shown by certain ornaments being found exclusively in burial and grave sites indicating that there was some specific value or purpose linked with death for those ornaments. It also shows a species ability to place different values on objects. This is most evident by Aboriginals using shinny shells like pearl more frequently than dull objects like dingo teeth despite the fact Dingo teeth were more abundant and were easier to obtain. One last thing personal ornaments tell us is that the species creating them are using tools for non-life sustaining purposes. While it can be difficult to tell the difference between intentional markings and natural wear and tear on shells it is much easier to see an intentional modifications of artifacts on items like antlers and other bones. Paleoanthropologists also examines the fossil remains of early humans and closely related species to gain insights into human behavior. A good example of this can be found in the paper titled, “Upper Limb Fossils of Homo naledi from the Lesedi Chamber, Rising Star System, South Africa”. Homo naledi was a Hominin species that was discovered in South Africa. The dating of the remains indicates that they are not ancestors of modern humans but lived at roughly the same time as them, similar to Neanderthals. The paper describes how Homo naledi has a similar lower body structure to modern humans, but their upper bodies and upper limbs are much more similar to apes. This is hypothesized to be because of the advantage that those limbs would give in climbing and overhead reaching compared to human limbs. This indicates that something about Homo naledi’s environment initially gave greater fitness to those traits, but ultimately was not enough of an advantage to out compete early humans leading to Homo naledi’s extinction.