Paranthtropus are a group of hominids that existed at the same time as the Australopithecines and some species of the Homo genus. It is believed that the Paranthropus species evolved on their own and had no part in the evolution of the Homo genus. Some Paranthropus features are robust skulls and huge flat molars used for grinding.

Paranthropus aethiopicus (the black skull)

This species existed from 2.8 - 2.2 million years ago. It was found in Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa.

Characteristics:

Paranthropus robustus

This species existed from 2.2-1.5 million years ago. The first fossil was found by a schoolboy in Kromdraai, Africa.

Characteristics:

Paranthropus boisei

P. boisei existed 2.2-1.0 million years ago. It was found inthe grassland habitats of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.

Characteristics:

• cranial capacity of 520ml

• huge jaws

• saggital crest

• big pre-molars and molars

• flat molars