Australopithecus
This genus of hominid, scientists believe, is the link between Ardipithecus ramidus and the Homo genus. Their gracile skulls and the transformation from ape-like features to modern human features characterize this particular group.
Australopithecus anamensis
This species existed from 4.2 - 3.9 million years ago. It was found by Meave Leakey in East Africa and was named in August of 1995.
Characteristics:
• reduced pointy canines
• thick tooth enamel
• more upright posture
• fingers long and curved
• diastema (the space between the teeth that allows the mouth to close)
• prognathic (elongated face)
Australopithecus afarensis
A. afarensis existed from 4-3 million years ago. It was found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Characteristics
• cranial capacity of 430 - 440 ml
• slight saggital crest
• megadont (huge) teeth
• very prognathic
• ape-like, long, curve phalanges
The most famous fossil evidence is
1) The Laeotoli Footprints found by Mary Leakey. These footprints were evidence of bipedalism. They had defining characteristics such as a strong heel strike, splayed toes, and a slight arch.
2) "Lucy" is the most well known fossil in the world today. Donald Johanson found her in Afar, Ethiopia in 1978. Lucy is the center of many debates. When this fossil was found, it was amongst a group of other A. afarensis. After studying all of the individuals, Johanson believes that this species is sexually dimorphic. Sexual dimorphism is the difference in size between males and females. In this case, the males seem to be more robust, are prognathic, and have bigger canines.
Australopithecus bahrelghazali
This hominid existed from 3.5 to 3 million years ago. Not much is known about A. bahrelghazali. Its jaw and teeth were similar to A. afarensis but it had a "modern" chin. The important feature of this species is that it was found in Chad, Africa, an area where virtually no hominid fossils have been found.
Australopithecus africanus
This species existed from 3.0-2.3 million years ago. It was found in South Africa.
Characteristics:
• cranial capacity of 440-480ml
• no saggital crest
• smaller canines than A. afarensis
• no diastema
• not as prognathic as A. afarensis
• ape-like arms and legs (arms longer than legs)
There are three famous fossils:
1) "Taung Baby" was found by Raymond Dart in 1924. It was the first hominid found. This was a significant find because it was the first evidence that our origins began in Africa.
2) "Little Foot" was found in Sterkfontein, South Africa by Ron Clark. Clark found this fossil stashed in a box and reassembled it.
3) "Mrs. Ples" was found by Robert Broom. She was conclusive evidence that our origins did indeed begin in Africa. It should also be noted that Mrs. Ples is really Mr. Ples.
Australopithecus garhi
A. garhi existed 2.5 million years ago. Tim White and Berhame Asfaw found it in Bouri, East Ethiopia.
Characteristics:
• cranial capacity of 450ml.
• canines and premolars like Homo genus
• huge molars
• no diastema
• prognathic
• ape-like arms and legs
