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9.8: Australopithecus gahri

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    In 1996, researchers recovered portions of the frontal and parietal bones as well as a maxilla that contained teeth. Fossil-containing sediments also contained bones with cut marks and a few surface cores (shaped and modified rock) and flakes (sharp pieces of rock struck from a core) were found, suggesting that Au. garhi  butchered animal remains and possibly made tools. However, tools in fossil-bearing layers would be better evidence. Some believe that the manufactured stone tools at the nearby Gona, Ethiopia, site may have been manufactured by Au. garhi. Au. garhi  were adapted to a broader dietary niche in response to environmental changes, particularly expanding grasslands. If the limb bones are rightfully attributed to the species, they had longer, more humanlike legs than other australopiths. Their arms were still apelike, based on the ratio of the arm to forearm length. The cranial capacity was 446 cc, falling midrange within that of Au. afarensis.

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