Olduvai Hominid 24

fossil

Also known as: OH 24

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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Olduvai Hominid 24 (OH 24) is a fossil cranium discovered at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, dating to approximately 1.8 million years ago. This fossil is attributed to Homo habilis, an extinct species of human and the earliest known representative of the genus Homo.1

OH 24, also known as "Twiggy," was found in a crushed and distorted state, making its facial and braincase features warped. While it may differ from Australopithecus in brain size and dental characteristics, it shares some facial features with australopiths. The discovery of OH 24 and other Homo habilis fossils at Olduvai Gorge has been crucial in understanding human evolution, providing evidence of early hominins with larger brain capacities and tool-making abilities.12

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Homo habilis
The fossil evidence
One intriguing specimen is OH 24, which was also from Olduvai and dated to about 1.8 mya. This cranium is more complete than others from Olduvai. Because some of the bones are crushed and distorted, however, the face and braincase are warped. OH 24 may differ from Australopithecus in…
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One intriguing specimen is OH 24, which was also from Olduvai and dated to about 1.8 mya. This cranium is more complete than others from Olduvai. Because some of the bones are crushed and distorted, however, the face and braincase are warped. OH 24 may differ from Australopithecus in…
Read More