Paranthropus (SciiFii)

Paranthropus (from Greek παρα, para "beside"; άνθρωπος, ánthropos "human") is a genus of hominins that lived between 2.6 and 1.1 million years ago. Also known as robust australopithecines, they were bipedal hominids probably descended from the gracile australopithecine hominids (Australopithecus) 2.7 million years ago.[1]

The genus is characterised by robust craniodental anatomy, including gorilla-like sagittal cranial crests which suggest strong muscles of mastication, and broad, grinding herbivorous teeth. However, Paranthropus skulls lack the transverse cranial crests of modern gorillas. The low rate of enamel fractures on Paranthropus teeth suggest this characteristic craniodental anatomy evolved to cope with a diet of tough vegetation, rather than hard foods.[2]