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4.3-3.9 Million
Years Ago
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The Australopithecus
anamensis continued to hold some primitive characteristics,
but also began to possess some human characteristics as well.
The skull continued to be exceptionally primitive, while the
body was beginning to become more human-like(1). The humorous
bone in the arm was especially human-like. A large tibia bone
found also lead to the conclusion that this species walked on
two feet(2). Although this species was bipedal, it was also
believed to spend much of its time in trees as well. The teeth
were also much different than in the Ardipithecus
ramidus. The postcanine teeth were found to be larger
and the enamel was thicker than in previous remains found (lower
mandible jaw on right)(3). Clashing opinions have arisen on
the differences between the Australopithecus anamensis
and the Australopithecus
afarensis. A positive difference will not be declared
until more remains are uncovered on this species.
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References:
1. Foley, Jim, July 31, 2001, Hominid Species,
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/homs/species.html (November 29,
2001)
2. Public Broadcasting Station, 1998, Human Evolution,
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/evolution/
(November 30, 2001)
3. Park, Michael A., 1999, Biological Anthrolpology:
Second Edition, Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View California,
412 p.