: Latin Australo (southern), Greek pithecus (ape), and africanus (of Africa).
: Lived approximately 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago. australopithecus africanus
: Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but retained long arms for climbing. : Latin Australo (southern), Greek pithecus (ape), and
: Rounder cranium, less sloping face, and smaller teeth than earlier hominins. : Latin Australo (southern)
: Had human-like ankle joints and pelvis for efficient ground walking. Evolutionary Significance
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
: Primarily found in South Africa, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves .