AFARENSIS FOSSIL Meaning and
Definition
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Afarensis fossil refers to any fossilized remains or traces attributed to Australopithecus afarensis, an extinct hominin species believed to have existed between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago during the Pliocene epoch. Australopithecus afarensis is considered an important ancestor in human evolution and is known for its significance in understanding the early stages of bipedalism, or walking upright on two legs.
The afarensis fossils are primarily recovered from the Afar Triangle region of Ethiopia, hence the species name "afarensis." These fossils comprise both cranial (head) and postcranial (body below the head) skeletal elements, allowing researchers to gain insights into the physical characteristics and anatomical adaptations of this species. Notable discoveries include the famous "Lucy," a nearly complete skeleton found in 1974, as well as multiple partial fossils found in subsequent excavations.
Afarensis fossils display a combination of ape-like and human-like characteristics. They possess a small cranial capacity of around 400-550 cc, indicating a relatively small brain size compared to modern humans. However, their postcranial anatomy reveals features suggestive of bipedal locomotion, such as the relatively long legs, a valgus knee (angled inward), and a non-divergent big toe.
Overall, afarensis fossils provide valuable evidence for the study of human evolution, contributing to our understanding of the anatomical and behavioral adaptations that occurred in our early hominin ancestors.
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Etymology of AFARENSIS FOSSIL
The word "afarensis" in "afarensis fossil" refers to Australopithecus afarensis, an extinct species of hominin that lived in East Africa approximately 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago.
The term "afarensis" is derived from "Afar", which is the region in Ethiopia where several important fossil discoveries were made. The name "Afar" itself comes from the Afar people who inhabit the area.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "afarensis fossil" is specifically linked to the region of Afar in Ethiopia, where the Australopithecus afarensis fossils were discovered.
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