Australopithecus

WHAT WERE THEY?

The first hominids and closest relatives of the human species are known as australopithecines. Because they were the first primates to walk on their hind legs, making them the first bipedal species, they are a critically important species for the study of human evolution.

HABITAT

Were discovered mainly in East Africa, in places such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya. They lived in diverse habitats, from savannahs to forests, adapting to the local environment. They were able to graze and explore these habitats effectively thanks to their upright gait.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

Bipedal apes of the genus Australopithecus lived on Earth between 4 and 2 million years ago. Although their brains were smaller than those of humans, they shared the same skeletal structure. Their upright posture, prominent mouth, huge and strong teeth and the adaptation of arms and legs to move on two legs were some of their distinctive features

IMPORTANCE

The study of Australopithecus is fundamental to understanding human evolution. This first bipedal ape was the first to develop the ability to walk with the lower limbs, which freed the upper limbs to carry out a series of intricate activities.

In addition, the first species of the genus Homo, from which modern humans emerged, was derived from one of the species of this genus (Australopithecus afarensis).

EXTINCTION OF AUSTALOPITHECUS

A million years ago, according to estimates, Australopithecus disappeared. According to archaeologists, this was probably due to rivalry with the Homo species, with which they shared the savannas and plains as home.