Paranthropus boisei: cranium

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Object Details

Discovered by

Richard Leakey and H. Mutua

Is this an original object?

Age

About 1.7 million years old

Summary

KNM-ER 732, a partial cranium of a female Paranthropus boisei has many characteristic P. boisei features. Most notable is the forward placed root of the zygomatic arch, resulting in a wide flat face. This skull has a cranial capacity of 500 cubic centimeters, nearly identical to the 510 cubic centimeters of presumed male P. boisei KNM-ER 406. Yet the skull shows less robust facial features than KNM-ER 406; the face is less massive overall, and it lacks a sagittal crest. From this, scientists conclude that KNM-ER 732 represents a female of the Parathropus boisei species. This fossil provides clues as to the nature of sexual dimorphism in this early human species.

Date of discovery

1970

Original Object Identifier

KNM-ER 732

Original Object Holding Institution

National Museums of Kenya (Kenya)

Location of Discovery

Koobi Fora, Kenya

Site

Koobi Fora, Kenya

Species

Paranthropus boisei

Data Source

NMNH - Anthropology Dept.

Metadata Usage

CC0

Record ID

dpo_3d_200075