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Australopithecus sediba hand demonstrates mosaic evolution of locomotor and manipulative abilities

Kivell, Tracy L., Kibii, Job M, Churchill, Steven E, Schmid, Peter, Berger, Lee R (2011) Australopithecus sediba hand demonstrates mosaic evolution of locomotor and manipulative abilities. Science, 333 (6048). pp. 1411-1417. ISSN 0036-8075. (doi:10.1126/science.1202625) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:38212)

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1202625

Abstract

Hand bones from a single individual with a clear taxonomic affiliation are scarce in the hominin fossil record, which has hampered understanding the evolution of manipulative abilities in hominins. Here we describe and analyze a nearly complete wrist and hand of an adult female [Malapa Hominin 2 (MH2)] Australopithecus sediba from Malapa, South Africa (1.977 million years ago). The hand presents a suite of Australopithecus-like features, such as a strong flexor apparatus associated with arboreal locomotion, and Homo-like features, such as a long thumb and short fingers associated with precision gripping and possibly stone tool production. Comparisons to other fossil hominins suggest that there were at least two distinct hand morphotypes around the Plio-Pleistocene transition. The MH2 fossils suggest that Au. sediba may represent a basal condition associated with early stone tool use and production.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1126/science.1202625
Subjects: Q Science
Q Science > QM Human anatomy
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Tracy Kivell
Date Deposited: 11 Feb 2014 13:05 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/38212 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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