Australopithecus

Australopithecus is an extinct genus of hominins that lived in Africa around 4 to 2 million years ago. They are considered to be the intermediate between the ancestral apes and the genus Homo, which includes modern humans. They are important in the study of human evolution as they provide insights into the development of bipedalism and other human-like characteristics.

Physical Characteristics

• Brain size: Small, with a cranial capacity of about 400-500 cc.
• Teeth: Large molars and thick enamel, indicative of a diet that included tough plant material.
• Posture: They walked upright on two legs, indicating the development of bipedalism.
• Size: They were relatively small in stature, with males averaging about 4 feet in height.

Species

There are several species within the Australopithecus genus, including:

1. Australopithecus afarensis: Best known for the discovery of the famous skeleton named "Lucy". They lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago.
2. Australopithecus africanus: Lived between 3 and 2 million years ago and is known for its more human-like teeth and skull structure.
3. Australopithecus sediba: Discovered in 2008, these hominins lived about 2 million years ago and exhibit a mix of primitive and derived traits.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying Australopithecus:

1. What is Australopithecus and why are they important in the study of human evolution?
2. Describe the physical characteristics of Australopithecus, including brain size, teeth, posture, and size.
3. Identify at least two species within the Australopithecus genus and their respective time periods.
4. Compare and contrast Australopithecus with other hominin genera, such as Homo and Paranthropus.
5. Discuss the significance of the discovery of "Lucy" and its impact on our understanding of human evolution.