: First identified by Raymond Dart in 1924 via the "Taung Child" fossil. Physical Characteristics
: Lived approximately 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago. australopithecus africanus
: Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but retained long arms for climbing. : First identified by Raymond Dart in 1924
: Had human-like ankle joints and pelvis for efficient ground walking. Evolutionary Significance australopithecus africanus
: Slightly larger than A. afarensis , averaging 420–500 cc.
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