Human Ancestors

side branch of human evolution that went extinct, the most derived Australopiths, largest teeth, flattest face, large sagittal crest, bipedal, sexually dimorphic, craniodental adaptations to hard object feeding

most abundantly and widely distributed early hominins

a ridge of bone that runs down the middle of the cranium like a short mohawk

why did the paranthopus go extinct

Kenya and Ethiopia, oldest known species of Australopithecus, slightly parabolic jaw, tibia similar to humans

Ethiopia and Tanzania, sexual dimorphism, Lucy was an example of this species

South Africa
wide pelvis
no sagittal crest, less prognathism, small supraorbital torus (brow ridge)

South Africa (Malapa Cave)

Latest occurring species of Australopithecus so far

Long arms, primitive feet, small teeth, human-like pelvises and hands

Has many primitive features so unlikely to be a direct human ancestors

Ethiopia

Sagittal crest

Potential first toolmaker

East Africa, 2.7-2.5 MYA

East Africa, 2.3-1.2 MYA

South Africa, 2.0-1.2 MYA

oldest possible tool industry, West Turkana, Kenya

Oldest well supported tool industry

only flaked on one side, earliest tools