JEFFREY BROWN:

The bones were found in a deep cave 30 miles northwest of Johannesburg. And the way they were found and then gathered is another incredible part of the story.

In all, 1,500 fossil remains were brought up and contained remains of 15 individuals of all different ages. Scientists named the new species Homo naledi and created this rendering.

The quest is chronicled in the new issue of "National Geographic" and in a special documentary airing on "NOVA" next week called "The Dawn of Humanity."

Here's a short clip.