Australopithecus afarensis: Difference between revisions
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'''Australopithecus afarensis''' is an extinct primate species, which to some, is considered the "[[missing link]]" in human evolution. The monumental remains known as "[[Lucy]]" stemmed from one of the most famous paleoanthropological finds in recent history. | '''Australopithecus afarensis''' is an extinct primate species, which to some, is considered the "[[missing link]]" in human evolution. The monumental remains known as "[[Lucy]]" stemmed from one of the most famous paleoanthropological finds in recent history. The 1974 excavation found that the ancient species is thought to have lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago. This discovery of the potential missing link remains the subject of heated discussions within many scholarly circles. | ||
Revision as of 22:29, 16 February 2008
Australopithecus afarensis is an extinct primate species, which to some, is considered the "missing link" in human evolution. The monumental remains known as "Lucy" stemmed from one of the most famous paleoanthropological finds in recent history. The 1974 excavation found that the ancient species is thought to have lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago. This discovery of the potential missing link remains the subject of heated discussions within many scholarly circles.
Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy)
Distinguished Digs
1973: AL 129-11
1974: Afar Depression Site
2006: Afar Depression Site2
1978: Laetoli Site
The Laetoli site is located in Laetoli, Tanzania and boasts the oldest evidence of a bipedal hominid species. The cluster of footprints found date from 3.4 to 3.5 million years ago.
Physical Attributes
Bipedal Locomotion
Evidence seen when examining pelvis structure, knee joint and foramen magnum
Prognathous
1 AL 129-1
2 Lucy's Baby