Hominin Trends

Question 1

Australopithecus afarensis

Answer 1

3.9-2.8 million years ago
East Africa
430cm3
105-110 cm (Female) 150cm (Male)
Low sloping forehead
Prominent brow ridges
short sagittal crest (IN MALES)
Post central position of foramen magnum
Big toe not opposable
Long arms (shorter than legs)
Long curved fingers and toes
Features for bipedalism
Prognathic jaw (no chin)
Diastema
Small Canines
Short and wide pelvis
Fruit, nuts, roots, leaves, eggs, occasional lizard
Gathering and scavenging
Evidence of home bases and cave dwellings in small groups

Question 2

Australopithecus africanus

Answer 2

3.2 - 2 million years ago
South Africa
Female: 110cm
Male: 135cm
480cm3
Slightly arched forehead
Smaller brow ridges
Wide, bowl shaped faced
Central position of foramen magnum
Prognathic jaw (no chin)
No diastema
Larger molers and premolars
Big toe not opposable
Some curvature of toes and fingers
Long arms (shorter than legs)
Features for bipedalism
Short and wide (less than modern humans)
Fruit, Nuts, Insects, roots, leaves, eggs
Gathering and scavenging
Evidence of home bases and cave dwellings in small groups

Question 3

Paranthropus robustus

Answer 3

1.8-1.2 million years ago
Southern Africa
Female: just under 1m, 40kg
Male: 1.2m 54kg
520cm3
Large sagital crest for attachment for strong chewing muslces
Large zygomatic arches
heavy brow ridges