Site: Hadar, Ethiopia
Age: 3.2 million years Species: A. afarensis Cranial capacity: about 400 cm3 Cranial architecture: Based on other A. afarensis skulls, later found nearby, present with an apelike shape with a low and heavy forehead, widely curving cheekbones, and a jutting jaw—as well as a brain about the size of a chimpanzee's. Dentition: Had human-like third molars Postcranial: Her long arm bones and the crest created by muscles that attach to her humerus (upper arm bone) are evidence of a powerful chest and strong upper arm muscles necessary for tree climbing. Her short, broad pelvis also held her body upright while angled-in thigh bones kept her body weight directly above her knees while in stride, both requirements for walking efficiently on two legs. Lucy’s compact feet were capable of supporting her full body weight as she walked upright, but her long, curved toe bones resemble that of a tree-climbing ape Environment: woodlands, grasslands, and other diverse environments Length and weight: 107 cm, 28 kg Tools: Ancestor: Descendants: A. africanus General: Named after the Beatles song "Lucy in the sky with diamonds", this young adult female was discovered in 1974 by Don Johanson, Yves Coppens and Maurice Taieb. The skeleton consists of 47 elements, including parts of the upper and lower limbs, the backbone, ribs and pelvis. The skull is represented by a mandible and five vault fragments. Most of the hand and feet bones are missing. The third molar is erupted and her epiphyseal lines are closed, indicating a mature adult. |