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Ardipithecus ramidus

fossil hominin
Also known as: Australopithecus ramidus

Quick Summary

Ardipithecus ramidus is an early hominin species that lived approximately 4.4 million years ago. Fossils of Ar. ramidus were discovered in the Awash River valley in Ethiopia. This species is considered a likely ancestor of Australopithecus and represents a significant stage in human evolution.1234

Ar. ramidus possessed a unique mix of ape-like and human-like features. Its skull and brain size were similar to chimpanzees, but the position of the foramen magnum suggests bipedalism. Anatomical characteristics of its pelvis and foot also indicate adaptations for upright walking, though its long arms and opposable great toe suggest it was also adept at climbing in trees. The habitat at Aramis was a woodland environment.123

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