Paranthropus is based on the Greek words, para meaning beside or near. Anthropus means man. This name indicates that Paranthropus is not directly descended from modern humans. Paranthropus Aethiopicus is categorized into the group: Robust Australopithecines. Paranthropus Aethiopicus is still to be much of a mystery to the world of anthropology due to the lack of species that have been found. For instance, we do not know the size or shape of the body that Paranthropus Aethiopicus species held. However, we do know that some common features shared throughout the Paranthropus Aethiopicus is a flattened face, and a large postcanine dentition. Due to the large shape and size of the teeth, it is assumed that they had a large vegetarian diet. The Robust Australopithecines is split up into three species; Paranthropus Aethiopicus, …show more content…
Paranthropus Aethiopicus’ cheek bones are positioned forward, the outer margins of the face are pushed more forward, Boisei and Robustus had many characteristics of their own as well. For example, they both had an angled skull base, a deep jaw joint, a flat face, and a larger brain. Because of the older age of the black skull, some anthropologists think that the black skull is younger than both the Boisei and Robustus. Therefore, giving the species the name; Paranthropus Aethiopicus. Thanks to the fossils of Paranthropus Aethiopicus, there has been sufficient evidence that the braincase is very similar to Au. Afarensis, which is an extinct hominin that lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago. Paranthropus Aethiopicus has related dental and facial features with Boisei and Robustus species. The prognathic face and relatively small cranial capacity of Paranthropus Aethiopicus is akin to Au. Afarensis. The temporomandibular joints are also relatively similar between the two