Feature

Details

Time Period

Lived between 4.4 million and 1.4 million years ago (Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs)

Geographical Distribution

Eastern, north-central, and southern Africa

Fossil Discovery

First fossils discovered in South Africa

Famous Specimen

"Lucy", a well-preserved fossil from Ethiopia, dated to 3.2 million years ago

Physical Features

Combination of human and ape-like features

Facial Features

Ape-like facial proportions (flat nose, protruding lower jaw)

Brain Size

Small brain (less than 500 cubic centimeters, about 1/3 the size of a modern human's brain)

Arms

Long, strong arms with curved fingers adapted for tree climbing

Teeth

Small canines, typical of early humans

Posture

Bipedal, regularly walked upright

Height

1.2-1.5 meters (roughly 3.9-4.9 feet)

Weight

30-50 kg (66-110 lbs)

Sexual Dimorphism

Males were nearly twice as large as females

Diet

Mostly plant-based (leaves, fruits, seeds, roots, nuts, insects)

Significance

Closest known relatives to modern humans (genus Homo)

Species

Time Period

Location

Notable Features/Specimens

Australopithecus anamensis

4.2 to 3.9 million years ago

Kenya and Ethiopia

Earliest known Australopithecus species.

Australopithecus afarensis

3.9 to 2.9 million years ago

Eastern Africa

Includes famous specimens like "Lucy" and "Selam."

Australopithecus africanus

3 to 2 million years ago

Southern Africa

The "Taung Child" was the first australopithecine discovered.

Australopithecus bahrelghazali

3.6 to 3 million years ago

Chad

Only Australopithecus species were discovered outside East and South Africa.

Australopithecus garhi

2.5 million years ago

Ethiopia

Possibly a direct ancestor of the Homo genus.

Australopithecus sediba

2 to 1.8 million years ago

South Africa

Shows a mix of Australopithecus and Homo traits, suggesting it could be a transitional species.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the spatial distribution, physical features, cultural status and origin of Australopithecines. (150 words)