Final answer:
Mary Leakey discovered Paranthropus boisei in 1959 after searching for nearly 30 years in the Eastern Rift Valley. This hominin species is notable for its robust skull and jaw, which suggest a diet adapted to hard foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discovery of Paranthropus boisei
The discovery of Paranthropus boisei was made by Mary Leakey in 1959. This species, originally classified as Zinjanthropus boisei and later recognized as part of the Paranthropus genus, is known for its distinctive skeletal features, which include a pronounced mohawk of bone on the skull and large jaws. The discovery of Paranthropus boisei took place after nearly 30 years of search efforts by Mary Leakey and her husband, Louis Leakey, in the Eastern Rift Valley, spanning Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Paranthropus boisei is often described as the hyper-robust hominin due to its strong jaw and skull features that suggest a diet including hard nuts and seeds. While not believed to be directly ancestral to modern humans, it represents a significant branch in the hominin evolutionary tree. The contributions of the Leakey family, including the discovery of Paranthropus boisei, have provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of early hominins.