Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gracile hominid of southern Africa; from about 3 million years ago: Australopithecus africanus is an extinct species of early hominid, characterized by a more lightly built (gracile) skull and skeleton compared to some other australopithecines. Its fossil remains have been found in southern Africa and are dated to approximately 3 million years ago.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Taung Child is the famous fossil skull of Australopithecus africanus. (The Taung Child is the famous fossil skull of Australopithecus africanus.)
  • Scientists study Australopithecus africanus to understand human evolution. (Scientists study Australopithecus africanus to understand human evolution.)
  • This fossil site yielded several specimens of Australopithecus africanus. (This fossil site yielded several specimens of Australopithecus africanus.)

Advanced Usage

• In paleoanthropological context: The name is used in formal taxonomic and scientific discussions about human origins.
  • The debate continues over whether Australopithecus africanus is a direct ancestor of the genus Homo. (The debate continues over whether Australopithecus africanus is a direct ancestor of the genus Homo.)

Variants and Related Words

• Australopithecine (noun/adjective): A member of the genus or a related genus; of or pertaining to this group.
  • The australopithecine fossils were carefully analyzed. (The australopithecine fossils were carefully analyzed.)
• Australopithecus (noun): The genus name to which this species belongs.
  • The genus Australopithecus includes several species. (The genus Australopithecus includes several species.)

Synonyms

• Southern African gracile australopithecine: A descriptive synonym referencing its location and physical form.
• Taung fossil hominid: A reference based on the location of its first major discovery.

Related Phrases

• Type specimen: The original fossil specimen used to define the species.
  • The Taung Child is the type specimen for Australopithecus africanus. (The Taung Child is the type specimen for Australopithecus africanus.)

Noun

1. gracile hominid of southern Africa; from about 3 million years ago