Which Australopithecus species is Lucy?

Australopithecus afarensis
Its story began to take shape in late November 1974 in Ethiopia, with the discovery of the skeleton of a small female, nicknamed Lucy. More than 40 years later, Australopithecus afarensis is one of the best-represented species in the hominin fossil record.

Why is Australopithecus afarensis named Lucy?

A new species name, Australopithecus afarensis, was therefore created for them in 1978. This relatively complete female skeleton, dated to 3.2 million years old, is the most famous individual from this species. She was nicknamed ‘Lucy’ after the song ‘Lucy in the sky with diamonds’ sung by The Beatles.

What species does Lucy represent?

Lucy is the common name of AL 288-1, several hundred pieces of fossilized bone representing 40 percent of the skeleton of a female of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis.

What type of ancestor is Lucy?

On November 24, 1974, fossils of one of the oldest known human ancestors, an Australopithecus afarensis specimen nicknamed “Lucy,” were discovered in Hadar, Ethiopia.

Did Australopithecus afarensis have culture?

‘Lucy’ would have lived in a group culture, which would have required communication, perhaps verbal and certainly non-verbal, such as facial expressions. In 2006 ‘Dikika baby’ was discovered by Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged in Ethiopia. The fossils are from a three year old infant that lived 3.3 million years ago.

What is the significant biological characteristics of Australopithecus afarensis?

afarensis had both ape and human characteristics: members of this species had apelike face proportions (a flat nose, a strongly projecting lower jaw) and braincase (with a small brain, usually less than 500 cubic centimeters — about 1/3 the size of a modern human brain), and long, strong arms with curved fingers …

What is the name of the most famous ancient primate Australopithecus afarensis who became an inspiration in one of the songs of the Beatles?

They were celebrating the discovery of the oldest known hominid ancestor. Inspired by the song, the team named the partial skeleton, “Lucy.” Lucy was a newly discovered species named Australopithecus afarensis and lived 3.5 million years ago.

What is a derived feature of Australopithecus afarensis?

Derived features, such as thick enamel, intermediately sized molars, and reduced canines are also hallmarks of Au. afarensis1. The lower limbs clearly show this species was bipedal, while the upper limb morphology suggests Au. afarensis may have continued to practice some form of arboreality.