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Complex and diverse patterns of neurocranial development in Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo
José Braga1,2, Z Alemseged3, E Gilissen4,5
1Centre for Anthropobiology & Genomics of Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5288, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse, France. jose.braga@univ-tlse3.fr.
Scientific Reports
|November 25, 2025
Summary
Early hominin and ape development varied significantly. Australopithecus afarensis showed protracted endocranial growth, unlike Paranthropus robustus, offering insights into human evolution.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Early ontogeny significantly shapes the distinct traits of humans, fossil hominins, and African apes.
- Understanding developmental patterns is crucial for reconstructing hominin evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate relationships between facial, basicranial, and endocranial development in early ontogeny.
- Compare developmental trajectories in African apes, Homo sapiens, Australopithecus afarensis, and Paranthropus robustus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an extensive high-resolution computed tomography (CT) dataset.
- Analyzed cranial development during early ontogeny across multiple hominin and ape species.
Main Results:
- Pan paniscus infants show delayed endocranial growth, indicating complex developmental processes.
- Australopithecus afarensis exhibited protracted endocranial growth compared to Paranthropus robustus.
- A. afarensis developmental patterns more closely resemble Homo sapiens than P. robustus.
Conclusions:
- Early ontogeny in Australopithecus and Paranthropus was variable, lacking consistent acceleration or delay.
- Findings improve identification of neonatal cranial remains in the fossil record.
- Enhances sample size and advances paleobiological studies.
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