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- Paranthropus robustus (~2.27 million years ago): Located in South Africa, this species signifies the spread of the genus southward and suggests possible migration patterns as forests receded.
Despite their impressive adaptations, Paranthropus species eventually went extinct around 800,000 years ago, coinciding with the rise and diversification of the genus Homo.
Paranthropus: An Evolutionary Side-Branch with a Largely Extinct Future
Paranthropus' survival over millions of years underscores their successful adaptation to specific ecological niches, yet they did not give rise to modern humans. Their disappearance remains a topic of research, but it is certain that a different lineage—genus Homo—would continue to evolve, eventually dominating the landscape.