New Fossil Discovery Reveals Surprising Insights into Prehistoric Human Behavior

Learn more about how a recent fossil discovery has added a new species to the list of prehistoric humans who walked on two legs.

By Stephanie Edwards
Mar 6, 2025 11:05 PMMar 6, 2025 11:04 PM
Swartkrans-SK-54-with-Leopard-Mandible
(Image Credit: Jason L. Heaton) A fossil leopard lower jawbone next to a skull fragment of a juvenile Paranthropus robustus. Note the two punctures in the skull, which match the spacing of the tips of the leopard's fangs—implying that this unfortunate hominin child was killed and eaten by a leopard.

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After a recent fossil discovery, we now have new insights into the behaviors of a group of prehistoric humans.

A team of international researchers working with the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of Witwatersand have uncovered a major find about early human ancestors. In a study published in The Journal of Human Evolution, it is revealed that Paranthropus robustus, a species of prehistoric human, were bipedal and walked upright much like we do today. 

This finding helps scientists learn more about the daily lives and activities of Paranthropus robustus and adds more complexity to the story of human evolution.

A New Prehistoric Ancestor

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