Australopithecus Africanus -

: Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but retained long arms for climbing.

: First identified by Raymond Dart in 1924 via the "Taung Child" fossil. Physical Characteristics australopithecus africanus

: Primarily found in South Africa, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves . : Habitual bipeds (walked on two legs) but

: Had human-like ankle joints and pelvis for efficient ground walking. Evolutionary Significance australopithecus africanus

The species Australopithecus africanus represents a landmark discovery in paleoanthropology, serving as the first evidence that humans originated in Africa. The "Southern Ape" of Africa

: Lived approximately 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago.