A survey of the literature about the little-known Austrolapithecus anamensis. Topics include the role that A. anamensis may play in a macroevolutionary model.

Hominid evolution and the eventual rise of modern humans is thought to be a rather vague science by many unfamiliar with the field. The public at large (that is, those that have never taken a physical anthropology class) would not be able to recognize the hominids Australopithecus bahr el grazel, or even Australopithecus habilus. It is however, likely that they would be able to recall the well-publicized Lucy (or Australopithecus afarensis to the paleoanthropologically savvy). …

…Kenya. Nature. Vol. 17, no. 6541: Pp 565-571 Meave G. Leake, Craig S. Feibel, Ian McDougall, Carol Ward, and Alan Walker New specimens and confirmation of an early age for Australopithecus anamensis Nature. Vol. 393 no. 6680: Pp 62-66 Sawyer, Kathy New Roots for Family Tree; Oldest Bipedal Human Ancestor Found Washington Post; August 17, 1995: Pg. A01 Shreeve, James Sunset on the Savanna. Nature. Vol. 17, no. 6541: Pp 565-571 Smithsonian Institution www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/ha/a_tree.html