Australopithecus afarensis (meaning "Southern Ape of Afar") is one of the longest-lived and best-documented early human species, having survived for more than 900,000 years in Eastern Africa . This species, which lived between approximately , is most famously represented by the partial skeleton known as "Lucy" . Key Evolutionary Traits
: Despite being bipedal, their long, strong arms and curved fingers suggest they still spent significant time climbing trees for food or shelter. australopithecus afarensis
: There was a notable size difference between the sexes; for instance, "Lucy" stood about 3.5 feet tall, whereas presumed males reached up to 5.5 feet. Famous Specimens & Sites : There was a notable size difference between
: Analysis of the pelvis, leg bones, and the famous Laetoli footprints in Tanzania confirms that they habitually walked upright on two legs. While they walked like humans, they had ape-like
: They exhibited a mix of ape and human-like characteristics. While they walked like humans, they had ape-like face proportions—including a flat nose and projecting lower jaw—and a small braincase (less than 500 cc).