Here we describe an almost complete hand of Australopithecus sediba at 1.977 Ma (10) from Malapa, South Africa, and discuss, through comparisons with other fossils [supporting online material (SOM) text S1], its implications for understanding the evolution of human locomotion and tool use (SOM text S2).The Au. sediba within the genus Australopithecus because it retains a relatively small brain and primitive traits associated with climbing adaptation seen in other australopiths. Researchers have revealed new details about the brain, pelvis, hands, and feet of Australopithecus sediba, a primitive hominin that existed around the same time early Homo species first began to appear on Earth. Australopithecus sediba apparently lived on a diet of leaves, fruits, wood and bark, scientists report, while other hominins in Africa mainly consumed grasses. Animal Behavior Study Guide ... Its pelvis and lower chest resemble those of Homo, while other traits resemble those of Australopithecus. sediba findings, unearthed in Malapa, South Africa, make it clear that this ancient relative displayed both primitive characteristics as well as more modern, human-like … Well-preserved forelimb remains of 1.98-million-year-old Australopithecus sediba from Malapa, South Africa, contribute to our understanding of this evolutionary transition. The evolution of the human upper limb involved a change in function from its use for both locomotion and prehension (as in apes) to a predominantly prehensile and manipulative role. This debate is an important one because, if Au. sediba. Morphology consistent with climbing and/or suspensory behavior has been documented in the upper limb and foot of Au. At 1.78–1.95 million years old (Ma), Australopithecus sediba was just “too young to be considered an ancestor of Homo.”5 Those original dates were derived from a combination of “faunal correlation, U-Pb dating, and paleomagnetic data.”6 In order to take its place on Homo’s ancestral throne, Au. The new Au. Dated 1.98 million years old, the fossil skeletons of A. sediba from Malapa cave are so complete that scientists can see what entire skeletons looked like near the time when Homo evolved. New studies of the skeletons of Australopithecus sediba suggest that this South African species has a surprising combination of features that may make it an ancestor of the human genus Homo.. sediba must age. The 1.98 million-year-old partial skeletons of Australopithecus sediba, from Malapa, South Africa, provide important insight into the positional behavior of a late surviving species of Australopithecus (Berger et al., 2010, Dirks et al., 2010, Pickering et al., 2011). Note the general similarity to other australopiths. Australopithecus sediba—no human ancestor New alleged hominid ignites debate, but is no missing link. The evidence of wood eating comes from just one individual, so it’s hard to know if this behavior … Published: 15 April 2010 (GMT+10) Image news.com.au Photo of one of the two Australopithecus sediba fossils. by Peter Line.