Australopithecus — Africanus

The species Australopithecus africanus represents a landmark discovery in paleoanthropology, serving as the first evidence that humans originated in Africa. The "Southern Ape" of Africa

: Latin Australo (southern), Greek pithecus (ape), and africanus (of Africa).

: Rounder cranium, less sloping face, and smaller teeth than earlier hominins. australopithecus africanus

: Primarily found in South Africa, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves .

: Had human-like ankle joints and pelvis for efficient ground walking. Evolutionary Significance Greek pithecus (ape)

: Lived approximately 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago.

: Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but retained long arms for climbing. less sloping face

: First identified by Raymond Dart in 1924 via the "Taung Child" fossil. Physical Characteristics