Paranthropus boisei

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Paranthropus boisei (originally called Zinjanthropus boisei and then Australopithecus boisei until recently) was an early hominid that lived in East Africa, from around 2 until about 1 million years ago during the Pleistocene era. It had a skull highly specialized for heavy chewing. P. boisei inhabited the dry savannah grasslands of Eastern Africa during a period from 2.5 to 1 million years ago.

Related Topics:
Hominid - Pleistocene - Savannah - Eastern Africa

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The first fossil was discovered in a rich archaeological site, FLK Zinj, in the Oldupai Gorge, by Mary Leakey in 1959, whence the name, "Zinj man." The species epithet "boisei" honours Charles Boise, who contributed financial support to the work of Louis and Mary Leakey at the Olduvai Gorge.

Related Topics:
Fossil - Oldupai Gorge - Mary Leakey - 1959 - Charles Boise - Louis

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This species is characterised by a large skull with a heavy jaw and large molars. The brain is quite small, about 450 cubic centimetres. The large jaw and dentition is thought to be an adaptation to their diet. It is thought that these species dealt with the change to a more savannah-like environment that was taking place by specializing on a diet of low quality plant foods. The same adaptation took place in south Africa with the evolution of Paranthropus robustus.

Related Topics:
Savannah - Paranthropus robustus

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It is unclear whether this species made tools; when first discovered it was hailed as one of our tool producing ancestors since the site also showed evidence of flint tools. However, the first fossil of Homo habilis was later found at the same site. After the discovery Homo habilis was thought to be the producer of the tools. On the other hand, it is possible that other species produced tools too. Research into the hand bones of Paranthropus robustus, a species thought to be very much like Paranthropus boisei, has shown that anatomically they are able to perform a so-called precision grip. So Paranthropus boisei had the anatomical requirements to make tools. See also under Olduwan.

Related Topics:
Flint - Homo habilis - Paranthropus robustus - Olduwan

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