Australopithecus

Australopithecus is a genus of early hominins that lived in Africa around 4 to 2 million years ago. They are considered to be the ancestors of modern humans and are important in understanding human evolution.

Physical Characteristics

• Small brains, about the size of a chimpanzee's
• Upright posture and bipedal locomotion
• Long arms and curved fingers for climbing trees
• Human-like teeth and jaws

Species

There are several species of Australopithecus, including:

• Australopithecus afarensis - Known for the discovery of the famous fossil "Lucy."
• Australopithecus africanus - Found in South Africa and had a more human-like skull.
• Australopithecus sediba - A recently discovered species with a mix of ape-like and human-like features.

Behavior and Lifestyle

Australopithecus likely lived in wooded areas and grasslands, where they foraged for food. They were likely omnivorous, eating a variety of plant foods, as well as small animals. Their ability to walk upright allowed them to travel long distances and cover a wide range of habitats.

Study Guide

1. What are the physical characteristics of Australopithecus?
2. List three species of Australopithecus and describe one distinguishing feature of each.
3. Where did Australopithecus likely live, and what was their diet?
4. How did the ability to walk upright benefit Australopithecus in their environment?
5. Why are Australopithecus important in understanding human evolution?