Mary Leakey

Full Name: Mary Douglas Nicol Leakey
Profession: Paleoanthropologist

Nationality:

Biography: Mary Leakey’s most notable achievements include the discovery of the first fossilized Proconsul skull and the robust Zinjanthropus skull at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.

Born Mary Douglas Nicol in 1913, Leakey developed an early interest in archaeology and prehistory. She met Louis Leakey, who she later married, and together they embarked on a lifelong journey of archaeological research and exploration.

Leakey's work at Olduvai Gorge yielded numerous significant finds, including the Zinjanthropus skull in 1959, a crucial piece of evidence in the study of human evolution. She also developed a classification system for the stone tools found at the site which became a standard in the field.

In the 1970s, Leakey discovered the Laetoli footprints which provided compelling evidence of early human bipedalism some 3.6 million years ago. Throughout her career, she also identified fifteen new species of animals and one new genus, making substantial contributions to the understanding of past life forms.

After Louis Leakey's death in 1972, Mary Leakey continued her work at Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli. She trained the next generation of paleoanthropologists, including her son Richard Leakey, who also became prominent in the field.

Born: February 6, 1913
Birthplace: London, United Kingdom

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: December 9, 1996 (aged 83)