Australopithecus sediba

Estimated age

1.977 million years

Discovery location

Malapa

Discovered by

Lee Berger and Matthew Berger (2008)

Significance

Discovered at Malapa by 9-year-old Matthew Berger. The two well-preserved skeletons (MH1 and MH2) show a unique combination of Australopithecus and Homo features.

Scientific interpretation

A. sediba combines a small, Australopithecus-sized brain with Homo-like dental, hand, and pelvic features, fuelling debate about its place in the human lineage.

Archaeological evidence

Two partial skeletons were recovered from the Malapa cave site, among the most complete early hominin skeletons found to date.

Related publications

Berger, L.R. et al. (2010). Australopithecus sediba: a new species of Homo-like australopith from South Africa. Science.
Kibii, J.M. et al. (2011). A partial pelvis of Australopithecus sediba. Science.

Interactive 3D model

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CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

A 52,000-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site — the richest hominin fossil record on Earth.

26°0′S · 27°44′E

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MEET THE FOSSILS

Australopithecus sediba