Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How complete is the skeleton of Ardi?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Ardipithecus
Reconstructed frontal view of the skeleton of “Ardi,” a specimen belonging to the early hominid species Ardipithecus ramidus.
The specimen known as Ardi (specimen number ARA-VP-6/500) is a partial female skeleton of the species Ardipithecus ramidus, dated to 4.4 million years ago.12
Excavated between 1994 and 1997 at the Aramis site in Ethiopia, the skeleton consists of more than 100 fragments. While it is not a complete skeleton, it is widely recognized by scientists as the earliest recovered hominid skeleton. The remains provide significant anatomical detail, preserving key elements of the:12
- Skull and dentition3
- Forearm3
- Pelvis3
- Leg and foot3
These preserved parts reveal a unique anatomical mosaic, featuring a small cranial capacity similar to that of a chimpanzee, alongside pelvic and foot structures that indicate the ability to walk upright while retaining adaptations for climbing.23