Australopithecus Africanus May 2026

: Primarily found in South Africa, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves .

: Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but retained long arms for climbing.

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 australopithecus africanus

: Slightly larger than A. afarensis , averaging 420–500 cc.

: Latin Australo (southern), Greek pithecus (ape), and africanus (of Africa). : Primarily found in South Africa, including the

: First identified by Raymond Dart in 1924 via the "Taung Child" fossil. Physical Characteristics

: Had human-like ankle joints and pelvis for efficient ground walking. Evolutionary Significance : Primarily found in South Africa

: Lived approximately 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago.