Final answer:
Australopithecus was a successful genus that displayed effective dispersion capacity. It showcased both bipedalism and adaptability, which are thought to have contributed to its ability to spread across Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Australopithecus was a very successful genus with good dispersion capacity is true. The Australopithecus genus, made up of multiple species including Australopithecus africanus, Australopithecus bahrelghazali, Australopithecus garhi, and the famous Australopithecus afarensis, exhibited several traits that were precursors to modern humans. They were bipedal and had a combination of ape-like and human-like characteristics, suggesting an adaptability that could allow successful dispersion.
Despite this mixed locomotion, their adaptation for bipedalism, as evidenced by their pelvic bone structure and bipedal footprints found in Laetoli, Tanzania, indicates their capacity for terrestrial movement across distances. Their brain capacity, though smaller than modern humans, was larger than their great ape contemporaries. This suggests that their cognitive abilities may also have played a role in their ability to spread over various regions of Africa.