Question

Write a note on Australopithecines.

Hint:

The study of Australopithecines provides crucial insights into human evolution and the development of bipedalism.

Answer 1

Step 1: Australopithecines are an extinct genus of hominins that lived in Africa approximately 4 to 2 million years ago. They are considered one of the earliest ancestors of modern humans. Step 2: They are characterized by both ape-like and human-like features. Australopithecines had a smaller brain compared to modern humans, but they walked upright, which is one of the key traits distinguishing them from other primates. Step 3: Some well-known species of Australopithecines include *Australopithecus afarensis* (e.g., "Lucy") and *Australopithecus africanus*.