Final answer:
Kenyanthropus platyops is a distinct hominin species from the Pliocene epoch, with a flatter face and smaller teeth compared to the genus Paranthropus, which had larger teeth suited for a vegetarian diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kenyanthropus platyops is a hominin species that was discovered in Lake Turkana, Kenya, in 1999 and has been dated to about 3.5 million years ago. Unlike its contemporary, the genus Australopithecus, Kenyanthropus platyops features a flatter face and smaller molars, suggesting a different diet and ecological niche. The genus Paranthropus, which includes species like Paranthropus robustus and Paranthropus boisei, is distinguished by larger grinding teeth and a robust physique suited for a fibrous vegetarian diet, and these hominids are thought to be part of an evolutionary branch that did not lead to modern humans. Kenyanthropus platyops plays a crucial role in the understanding of human evolution, offering insights into the diversity of hominin species during the Pliocene epoch.