The remains of a new species of human have been found in a South African cave

MAGALIESBURG, South Africa (AP) - Scientists say fossils found deep in a South African cave reveal a new member of the human family tree.

Lee Berger, who led the expedition, told reporters Thursday the creature is named Homo naledi (nah-LEH-dee). Naledi means "star" in Sesotho, a local South African language.

Roughly 1,500 species were found in the caves and show that the species stood at roughly 5 feet tall and weight roughly 45 kilos.

Paleoanthropologist John Hawks said the creature shows a surprising mix of human-like and more primitive characteristics. It may be an early member of the evolutionary group that includes modern people and our closest extinct relatives.

Physically, the species shares similarities with both modern day humans and its earlier ancestors. While its hands, wrists, and feet reportedly bear a resemblance to homo sapiens, its upper-body and brain size are much more similar to earlier humans.

The fossils came from at least 15 individuals. Scientists don't know how old they are, and experts said that makes it hard to assess the significance of the find.

Another mystery is how the bones found their way into the chamber of the cave which is only accessible through steep climbs and rough terrain. One possibility is that the room was repeatedly used to dispose of bodies.

Lee Berger, research professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, told AFP: "Until this moment in history we thought the idea of ritualised behaviours directed towards the dead... was actually unique to Homo sapiens."

(Reporting by Lynsey Chutel and Malcolm Ritter)