Question

Name some early hominid findings (location and date) in chronological order.

Answer 1

The early hominid findings in chronological order include Sahelanthropus tchadensis (7 million years ago), Ardipithecus kadabba and Ardipithecus ramidus (5.6 and 4.4 million years ago, respectively), Australopithecus afarensis (approximately 3.5 million years ago), Homo habilis (2.5 to 3 million years ago), and Paranthropus boisei (approximately 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago).

Step-by-step explanation:

Some of the early hominid findings are listed below in chronological order:

1. Sahelanthropus tchadensis (7 million years ago) - Its fossil, known as 'Toumai', was found in Chad. This species displays a mix of primitive and evolved characteristics.
2. Ardipithecus kadabba (5.6 million years ago) and Ardipithecus ramidus (4.4 million years ago) - Discovered in the 1990s in the Pliocene era, with evidence suggesting bipedality, found in what is now Ethiopia.
3. Australopithecus afarensis (approximately 3.5 million years ago) - Notably represented by Lucy's skeleton found in Ethiopia, and the Laetoli footprints discovered by Mary Leakey in East Africa indicating a modern striding gait.
4. Homo habilis (2.5 to 3 million years ago) - Found with stone tools, it had a larger brain and a less prognathic jaw compared to australopiths, and long arms like previous hominins.
5. Paranthropus boisei (Approximately 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago) - Discovered by Louis and Mary Leakey in the Eastern Rift Valley, known for its robust cranial features and possible evidence of a plant-based diet.
6. Homo naledi - Fossils were found in the Rising Star cave system in the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, but their exact dating is currently debated.