Definition
Paranthropus is a genus of robust hominins — sometimes called the robust australopiths — that lived in Africa between roughly 2.7 and 1.2 million years ago. Three species are recognised: P. aethiopicus (East Africa, oldest), P. boisei (East Africa), and P. robustus (South Africa). Some researchers prefer to keep them within Australopithecus; the cladistic and ecological distinctness usually wins out.
Robust hominins share a derived suite of craniodental features: massive jaws, huge flat molars, thick tooth enamel, a sagittal crest anchoring large chewing muscles, and a dished face. Postcranially they were broadly similar to gracile australopiths — bipedal, similar body size. The robust adaptations are concentrated in the chewing apparatus.
Why it matters
Where it shows up
P. aethiopicus is best known from the 'Black Skull' (KNM-WT 17000) from West Turkana. P. boisei is represented by many fossils, especially OH 5 (Zinjanthropus) from Olduvai and KNM-ER 406 and 732 from Koobi Fora. P. robustus is known from southern African cave sites including Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Drimolen.
Each species shows the robust pattern in slightly different proportions, and the relationships among them are debated. The simplest interpretation has P. aethiopicus ancestral to P. boisei, with P. robustus arising separately or splitting off earlier.