Final answer:
Ardipithecus ramidus, discovered by Tim White, named for its discovery site and unique features, lived 4.4 MYA and demonstrated bipedalism and reduced canine size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name Ardipithecus ramidus refers to a species of hominin that lived approximately 4.4 million years ago (MYA), during the Pliocene era. Discovered in Ethiopia by American paleoanthropologist Tim White, Ardipithecus ramidus is particularly significant for being bipedal, as indicated by the forward position of its foramen magnum. It showed reduced canine size compared to that of African apes, which could imply a social structure with less aggression and a possible preference for less dominant males. In contrast to Paranthropus species, such as Paranthropus robustus, Ardipithecus ramidus was not as robust, and its discovery has provided valuable insight into early hominin evolution and characteristics.