Australopithecines
Australopithecus garhi
2.6–2.5 Ma·100 ka·Discovered 1999
Description
Associated with cut marks on animal bones. Possible early tool-maker before genus Homo.
Notable facts
- "Garhi" means "surprise" in Afar
- Ate carcass-processed meat
- Small brain but "human-like" behavior
- Reopened the debate on who invented tools
Key specimens
BOU-VP-12/130
Cranium and femur
Found at Bouri, Ethiopia. Associated with cut-marked animal bones — possible early butchery.
Anatomy
Large molars, projected face, long arms.
Locomotion
Bipedal with relatively long legs for the era.
Diet
Mixed including butchered meat — exceptional for the time.
Tools & culture
Likely used stone tools to process carcasses.
Where to see it
National Museum of Ethiopia.
Media & references
Image ·
Wikimedia Commons · Wikipedia article
Asfaw, White, Lovejoy, Latimer, Simpson & Suwa (1999). Australopithecus garhi: A new species of early hominid from Ethiopia. Science.
doi: 10.1126/science.284.5414.629 ↗