Ethiopia is the cradle of mankind, the purported resting place of the Ark of the Covenant–and home to Lucy, the hominid said to be 3.2 million years old and the world’s famous fossil. Discovered in the late 20th century in Ethiopia, Lucy is the oldest and most complete adult fossil of a human ancestor that has been found in Africa to date. Although Lucy is only 40% complete, her species provides a likely evolutionary link to the homo genus from which human beings evolved. The discovery of Lucy not only provided this link, but also gives scientists a visible example of just how evolution and its effects can be traced in one specimen. Lucy is displayed at Bowers Museum through April 28 as part of Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia, giving visitors the opportunity to further their understanding and place in the human family. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org