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Australopithecine Collection (#2)

"Australopithecine: Unveiling the Enigmatic Hominid Crania" Delving into the depths of human evolution, we encounter the fascinating australopithecines

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Paranthropus boisei (based on OH5)

Paranthropus boisei (based on OH5)
Illustration by Maurice Wilson of a three-quarter view of Paranthropus boisei, a robust australopithecus which lived in Southern and Eastern Africa

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Homo neanderthalensis, Neanderthal Man burial site (Teshik-T

Homo neanderthalensis, Neanderthal Man burial site (Teshik-T
Reconstruction of a Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis) burial site based on remains discovered at Teshik-Tash, Uzbekistan dating back 70, 000 years

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Paranthropus boisei (OH5)

Paranthropus boisei (OH5)

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Paranthropus sp. (left) and Homo erectus (right)

Paranthropus sp. (left) and Homo erectus (right)
Illustration by Maurice Wilson. 2 to 1.5 million years ago parts of Africa were populated by these two hominids. Paranthropus foraged peacefully but here is threatened by Homo erectus

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Australopithecus africanus cranium (Sts 5)

Australopithecus africanus cranium (Sts 5)
Cast reconstruction of cranium belonging to Australopithecus africanus discovered at Sterkfontein by Dr Robert Broom and J.T. Robinson in April 1947

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Australopithecus africanus

Australopithecus africanus
Model of an adult female Australopithecus africanus reconstructed from remains found at Sterkfontein, South Africa. Probably lived about 2.5 million years ago

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Australopithecus africanus mandible (MLD 2)

Australopithecus africanus mandible (MLD 2)
Mandible and teeth of an adolescent male (of about 12 years) Australopithecus africanus discovered at Makapansgat by A.R. Hughes and S. Kitching in July 1948

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Paranthropus robustus jaw bone

Paranthropus robustus jaw bone
Lower jaws of Australopithecus robustus. A robustus lived between 1.8 and 1.5 million years ago in South Africa

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Homo sapiens, Australopithecus, Neanderthal and Pan troglody

Homo sapiens, Australopithecus, Neanderthal and Pan troglody
A display of models of hominids, including human, Australopithecus, Neanderthal and chimpanzee, on display in the Life Galleries at the Natural History Museum, London

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Australopithecus africanus, the Taung child

Australopithecus africanus, the Taung child
A cast of a skull of Australopithecus africanus from Taung, Cape Province, South Africa. The original skull, thought to be of a child aged between 3-4 was discovered in 1924 by Raymond Dart

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Endocranial casts of Australopithecus

Endocranial casts of Australopithecus. An endocranial cast is a cast of the inside of the skull, which can form naturally when sediments fill an empty skull

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Skulls of Tuang child and a chimpanzee

Skulls of Tuang child and a chimpanzee
Tuang child (Australopithecus africanus) and chimpanzee skulls. The Tuang child fossil (left) was discovered in 1924 in Tuang, South Africa. The child, an example of A

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Australopithecus robustus skull

Australopithecus robustus skull
Skull of Australopithecus robustus, front view. A. robustus was a bipedal hominin (human-like primate) that lived in Africa between 2.6

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Paranthropus robustus

Paranthropus robustus. Artists impression of the skull and face of the early hominid Paranthropus robustus. P. robustus means " robust equal of man"

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Tuang child skull

Tuang child skull
Tuang child (Australopithecus africanus)skull. The Tuang child fossil was discovered in 1924 in Tuang, South Africa. The child, an example of A

Background imageAustralopithecine Collection: Model of an early hominid (Australopithecus sp. )

Model of an early hominid (Australopithecus sp. )
Australopithecus anamensis. Model of an early female hominid, Australopithecus anamensis. While A. anamensis had an ape-like jaw and brain




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"Australopithecine: Unveiling the Enigmatic Hominid Crania" Delving into the depths of human evolution, we encounter the fascinating australopithecines. Among them stands Australopithecus afarensis (AL 288-1), affectionately known as Lucy, an iconic figure in our understanding of our ancient ancestors. These hominid crania offer us glimpses into stages in human evolution, showcasing the remarkable transition from ape-like creatures to early humans. Lucy's remains provide invaluable insights into Australopithecus afarensis and its significance in shaping our lineage. One notable artifact that sheds light on this era is The Makapansgat Pebble, believed to be one of the earliest symbolic thinking by these early hominids. It hints at their cognitive abilities and potential for abstract thought. Another intriguing find is the Paranthropus boisei (Zinjanthropus) cranium (OH5). This robust specimen challenges conventional notions about our evolutionary path and highlights diversity within our ancestral tree. Artwork depicting various stages in human evolution allows us to visualize how these australopithecines gradually transformed over time. From primitive forms to more advanced beings, each reconstruction tells a unique story etched deep within their bones. A model of Lucy serves as a tangible reminder of her existence and helps us appreciate her physical attributes. With her small braincase but bipedal posture, she represents a crucial link between apes and modern humans. The foot cast from OH8 further emphasizes this transitional phase between Australopithecine or Homo habilis. It showcases adaptations towards walking upright while still retaining some characteristics reminiscent of earlier primates. As we explore these hominid reconstructions presented chronologically, we witness humanity's incredible journey through time. Each step forward brings us closer to comprehending who we are today – products of an intricate evolutionary tapestry.