Part 6/10:
This set of adaptations suggests a "cow-ape" morphology, emphasizing powerful chewing capabilities suited to a high-grass diet, differentiating Paranthropus from the more generalist Australopithecus and early Homo.
Species of Paranthropus
Within this genus, three recognized species demonstrate this evolutionary trend:
Paranthropus aethiopicus (~2.7 million years ago): Known from East Africa, exemplified by the Black Skull, which displays many of the characteristic robust features.
Paranthropus boisei (~2.5 million years ago): Possibly a descendant of P. aethiopicus, found predominantly in East Africa.