Site: Sterkfontein, South Africa
Age: Approximately 2.5 million years Species: A africanus Cranial capacity: Unknown Cranial architecture: Unknown Dentition: Unknown Postcranial: Consists of several thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, a pelvis, a sacrum, and pieces of a rib and a femur. The vertebrae show this species walked upright in a way very similar to modern humans. The uniquely human curve of your lower back absorbs shock when you walk. This early human's spine had the same curve. Environment: Unknown Length and weight: Unknown Tools: Unknown Ancestor: Possibly A. afarensis Descendants: Possibly H. habilis or A. sediba General: A partial skeleton and South African counterpart to Lucy. The skeleton was discovered shortly afterwards and within two metres of the skull known as Mrs Ples and is thought to be the postcranial remains of Mrs Ples. The skull and postcranials confirm that A africanus walked upright but had a cranial capacity similar to those of chimpanzees. Same individual? Five observations inidicates that this was one individual:
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