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Dryad

Data from: Hominin fossils from Kromdraai and Drimolen inform Paranthropus robustus craniofacial ontogeny

Data files

May 10, 2023 version files 473.28 MB

Abstract

Growth and development provide critical information about the evolutionary history of early hominin adult morphology. Using fossils from the southern African site of Kromdraai, we herein present the digital models of three juvenile specimens that are especially valuable because they shed light on how the distinct adult craniofacial characteristics of Paranthropus robustus developed. We find significant differences in the development of P. robustus and Australopithecus africanus. Additionally, some features of the P. robustus specimens suggest that the iconic SK 54 juvenile calvaria from the southern African site of Swartkrans is more likely an early Homo specimen rather than Paranthropus. The results of this study shed light on the evolutionary relationships between different early hominin species and could help to identify the closest relative to the Paranthropus/Homo clade.