Australopithecus afarensis
Australopithecus afarensis is an extinct primate species which to some are still considered a "missing link" of human evolution. The monumental remains known as "Lucy" stemmed from one of the most famous paleoanthropological finds in recent history. This ancient species is thought to have lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago and remains the subject of heated discussions within many scholarly circles.
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 and foramen magnum
Relative Brain Size
1 AL 129-1
2 Lucy's Baby