KNM-ER 406

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KNM ER 406
Catalog no.KNM ER 406
SpeciesParanthropus boisei
Age1.7 million years, Lower Pleistocene
Place discoveredKoobi Fora, Kenya
Date discovered1969
Discovered byRichard Leakey and H. Mutua

KNM ER 406 is an almost complete fossilized skull of the species Paranthropus boisei.[1] It was discovered in Koobi Fora, Kenya by Richard Leakey and H. Mutua in 1969.[2] This species is grouped with the Australopitecine genus, Paranthropus boisei because of the robusticity of the skull and the prominent characteristics. This species was found well preserved with a complete cranium but lacking dentition. He was known for his robust cranial features that showed the signs of adaptation of the ecological niches. The big chewing muscles attached to the sagittal crest are traits of this adaptation.[3]

Discovery and classification

Following a three-month expedition funded by the National Museums of Kenya, Richard Leakey and H. Mutua spent the summer of 1969 in northern Kenya. This expedition along with the field work three months prior to this project was possible with the financial assistance from the Kenyan Government. During this expedition, there were two specimens that have similar characteristics as seen in the robust KNM-ER 406. The two specimens are Demi-cranium KNM-ER 732 and KNM-ER 407. These two specimens were also robust, but the skulls were considered more gracile. The smaller skulls are evidence that sexual dimorphism was the reason for the size difference. Consistent evidence of Lower Pleistocene hominids supports that there was a variation in size of the Australopithecus in East Rudolf, and not a separate species.[4]

With the occipital only being present the morphology could not be confirmed, but the KNM-ER 406 and the other fossil found a mile North of the site are consistent with fossils found in Olduvai. It has been accepted that they are Australopithecus boisei and it's also been accepted that the A. boisei was not a tool maker.[4]

Another species, called Homo ergaster was discovered and dated the same age as A. Boisei 1.7 million years ago. In 1975 this species was found in northern Kenya, Koobi Fora by Bernard Ngeneo. The same age of 1.7 million years ago means that different species were on the scene in Africa at the same time. Yes, they coexisted. It's known that a species can survive when they inhabit a specific ecological niche. The morphology was different because of the resources they consumed. The Homo ergaster hunted and ate softer foods and more meat. His skull looked more like modern humans. But, A. Boisei’s skull was robust and had large temporals muscles that helped crush nuts and hard plants. It's important to note that these two species coexisted.[5]

Anatomy

Cranial features and brain size

It is an adult male with an estimated cranial capacity of 510 cc and age of 1.7 million years.

Compared to the modern human and the

OH 5.[7]
This specimen is perhaps the most impressive skull found.

Paranthropus boisei KNM ER 406 actual skull

See also

References

  1. ^ "KNM-ER 406". Archaeology Info. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Smithsonian Institution's Human Origins program: KNM-ER 406". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
  3. PMID 18046746
    .
  4. ^
    S2CID 3118920
    .
  5. ^ Sáez, Roberto (2016-03-10). "Two very different specimens that coexisted: P. boisei ER 406 and H. ergaster ER 3733". Nutcracker Man (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  6. PMID 98055
    .
  7. ^ Sáez, Roberto (2016-03-10). "Two very different specimens that coexisted: P. boisei ER 406 and H. ergaster ER 3733". Nutcracker Man (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2020-05-23.

External links

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