Definition

1. Noun:
   • Extinct genus of African hominid: "genus Australopithecus" refers to a taxonomic category (genus) containing several extinct species of early, bipedal primates closely related to humans, whose fossil remains are found in Africa.

Usage Notes

• This is a scientific, taxonomic term used primarily in paleoanthropology, evolutionary biology, and related academic fields.
• It is always treated as a singular noun (e.g., "The genus Australopithecus is important...").
• In formal writing, the genus name "Australopithecus" is typically italicized. The word "genus" itself is not italicized.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The discovery of Lucy provided key insights into the genus Australopithecus.
  • Fossils belonging to the genus Australopithecus have been found in eastern and southern Africa.
  • Scientists debate the exact number of species within genus Australopithecus.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetic Context: The term is often used when discussing human evolution and the hominin family tree.
  • Genus Australopithecus is considered a direct ancestor of, or a close sister group to, the genus Homo.

Variants and Related Words

• Australopithecine (noun/adjective): A member of the genus Australopithecus or a related form; of or pertaining to this genus.
  • The australopithecine fossils date from about 4 to 2 million years ago.
• Australopithecus afarensis: A well-known species within the genus (e.g., the specimen "Lucy").
• Australopithecus africanus: Another key species within the genus.

Synonyms

• Australopithecines (when referring to the group collectively).
• Southern ape (a rough translation of the Latin name, but this is descriptive, not a formal synonym).

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Hominin: The broader tribe that includes the genus , genus , and their extinct relatives.
• Paranthropus: A closely related genus of robust australopithecines, sometimes considered a sub-group.
• Homo: The genus that includes modern humans and their closest extinct relatives, which likely evolved from an Australopithecus ancestor.

Noun

1. extinct genus of African hominid