Mary Leakey c. 1977: Her discoveries of fossils and fossil footprints of early hominines in Aftrica's Rift Valley garnered her world fame.Courtesy Public domain via WikipediaMary Leakey was a British archaeologist and anthropologist who, along with her husband Louis Leakey established a dynasty of paleoanthropological study of prehistoric man in the Olduvai Gorge in East Africa. Although Mary died in 1996, her and Louis' son, Richard Leakey and his wife Meave, and granddaughter Louise carry on the family legacy.

From the National Geographic website:

"Through a life of dedication to research and exploration of Africa’s Rift Valley, Mary met and married Louis Leakey and together they brought to light some of the most significant and spectacular remains of ancient human ancestors more apelike, and more clearly energetic and capable than many had ever considered possible. The discovery in 1960 of Homo habilis, the “handy man” marked the earliest known expert stone tool makers, and the footprints at Laetoli revealed for the first time a snapshot of our apelike forebears in action. Throughout the years she was supported by more than 25 grants from the National Geographic Society.“

LINKS
Bio on Leakey family website
Wikipedia bio
PBS Science Odyssey

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