Final answer:
Orrorin tugenensis, discovered in Kenya, is an ancient hominin species with traits suggesting bipedalism and potential ancestral ties to modern humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Orrorin tugenensis is an important hominin species discovered in the Tugen Hills of Kenya. This discovery, made by Martin Pickford and Brigitte Senut in 2001, has vital implications for our understanding of human evolution. Orrorin tugenensis had traits that suggest bipedalism, such as a larger femoral head and thick dental enamel, pointing towards potential ancestral connections with modern humans. Furthermore, the species, which is approximately 6 million years old (MYA), challenges the position of australopithecines in the human lineage.