Ardipithecus ramidus

Ardipithecus ramidus is considered to be the earliest member of the Hominoidea family, this is because it is the most ape-like hominid known. The initail fossils of this species were found in the Middle Awash area of Ethiopia. Total seventeen fossil fragments were found including, two skull bases, a child's mandible, teeth, and arm bones. The fossils were found by a research team headed by Dr. Timothy White, Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkely, in 1992 and 1993.

In 1994 more fossils were also recovered in Ehtiopia, close to the original site. Total 90 fragments where found, which accumulated to be about 45 percent of the total skeleton. Included in these fragments were pieces of the pelvis, ankle, feet, and leg. This find still awaits official anylisis to draw conclusive evidence on whether or not Ardipithicus was bipedal, even though the foramen magnum and leg fragments initially indicate this species was bipedal.

Ardipithecus ramidus is dated to about 4.4 million years ago, and displays a combination of human-like and chimp-like features. First, the teeth of Ardipithecus has thiner enamal, which more closely resembles that of a gorilla or chimp. The canines are smaller than that of a chimp, but are still larger than that of later hominids. The molars are also relativly small and ape shaped. Second, the foramen magnum is more forward in position when compaired to that of apes. This indicates a progression towards bipedalism if not bipedalism itself. Third the arm structure of Ardipithecus ramidus is an intermediate between the great apes and later members of the hominid line.

References:

Park, Michael A. Biological Anthropology 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill. New York, New York. 2005.

Price, Douglas T. and Gary M. Feinman. Images of the Past 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill. New York, New York. 2005.

Kreger, David. "Ardipithecus ramidus". http://www.archaeologyinfo.com/ardipithecusramidus.htm , February 3, 2006.

By:

Jared Langseth, 2006.