The australopithecines, ancestors far more intelligent than previously thought? 🧠

Could the intelligence of Australopithecines be more developed than we previously thought? Recent discoveries about these ancestors raise questions about our evolution.

At the heart of human history, the Australopithecines, who lived between four million and one million years before our era, deserve special attention. These hominids have long been perceived as simple beings, but new research challenges this image.


A study, conducted by researchers from the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, reveals that these ancestors may have possessed more advanced manual abilities. By examining 3D models of their hand bones, scientists discovered features that enabled grasping and manipulation movements.

These findings indicate that Australopithecines used tools long before the emergence of the first stone implements. Researchers suggest they may have made tools from perishable materials, which explains their absence in the fossil record. This changes our understanding of the cognitive capabilities of these hominids.

The study challenges the idea that tool use was exclusive to the Homo genus. However, the fact that Australopithecines may have developed complex manual skills broadens our view of their intelligence. The distinction between Australopithecines and Homo might be less clear-cut than we previously thought.

Moreover, this research highlights the importance of tools in cognitive development. The manipulation of objects could have fostered social and communication skills, which were crucial for the emergence of more complex societies.

The case of Lucy, the famous Australopithecine, illustrates this evolution. Her manual abilities, though inferior to those of modern humans, suggested an unexpected dexterity. Other species, like Australopithecus sediba, exhibited similar traits, suggesting a pre-adaptation to tool use.

This study is a key step in rethinking the evolutionary process of human intelligence. If Australopithecines were able to manipulate objects, it challenges our understanding of the timeline of human evolution.

In sum, these discoveries open new perspectives on our history. Far from being rudimentary ancestors, Australopithecines may have played a more complex role in the evolution of humanity.

What is an Australopithecine?

Australopithecines are a group of hominids that lived in Africa between 4 and 1 million years before our era. They are considered direct ancestors of modern humans. This genus includes several species, such as Australopithecus afarensis, Australopithecus africanus, and Australopithecus sediba.

Australopithecines, direct ancestors of modern humans, were relatively small in stature, measuring about three feet (one meter) in height. Their anatomy was a mix of human and ape-like traits, with a skull smaller than that of humans, holding only 24 cubic inches (400 cm³) of brain volume.

Although they were capable of walking on two legs, their longer arms indicate partial adaptation to climbing, allowing them to move efficiently in trees.