Paranthropus robustus

Estimated age

1.8-1.2 million years

Discovery location

Kromdraai

Discovered by

Robert Broom (specimen found by Gert Terblanche) (1938)

Significance

The first Paranthropus robustus specimen (TM 1517) was the first robust australopithecine discovered anywhere in the world. This species coexisted with early Homo in the Cradle.

Scientific interpretation

Paranthropus robustus had powerful jaws and large molars adapted for chewing tough, fibrous plant foods. Despite its robust build, the species eventually went extinct.

Archaeological evidence

The holotype was found in the dolomitic cave deposits at Kromdraai, the type locality for the species.

Related publications

Broom, R. (1938). The Pleistocene anthropoid apes of South Africa. Nature.
Brain, C.K. (1981). The Hunters or the Hunted? An Introduction to African Cave Taphonomy.

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

Paranthropus robustus