Definition

Proper noun * Plesianthropus: A former taxonomic genus name used in paleoanthropology. It is now considered a synonym for the genus Australopithecus, which includes extinct, bipedal hominins closely related to humans.

Usage Notes

• Historical Term: "Plesianthropus" is an obsolete scientific name. It is primarily encountered in historical scientific literature or discussions about the history of paleoanthropology.
• Current Classification: All specimens once classified under are now classified under the genus . The most famous specimen, "Mrs. Ples," is scientifically known as .
• Capitalization: As a proper noun (a former genus name), it is always capitalized.

Examples

• In historical context:
  • The fossil was originally described as Plesianthropus transvaalensis.
  • Early 20th-century debates centered on whether the find represented a new genus, Plesianthropus, or belonged to Australopithecus.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used informally to refer specifically to the well-known fossil "Mrs. Ples" ( STS 5), even though its official genus is no longer .
  • The cranium of "Mrs. Ples" is one of the most complete Australopithecus fossils ever found.

Variants and Related Words

• Plesianthropine (adj.): An adjective describing something pertaining to the former genus .
  • The plesianthropine fossils were crucial for understanding human evolution.
• Australopithecus (n.): The current, accepted genus name for these hominin ancestors.
• Hominin (n.): A member of the taxonomic tribe Hominini, which includes modern humans, extinct human species, and their immediate ancestors (including ).

Synonyms

• Australopithecus (in modern scientific context)

Word Origin

• From Greek "near" + "man," meaning "near-man." This name reflected early interpretations of these fossils as being very close to, but not yet, human.

Noun

1. former name for the genus Australopithecus