Australopiths exhibited "mosaic evolution," where different parts of the body evolved at different rates.
The genus (meaning "southern ape") represents a pivotal group of early human ancestors that lived in Africa between 4.4 and 1.4 million years ago . Often described as "apes that walked like humans," they serve as the biological bridge between more primitive primates and the genus Homo . 🦴 Key Physical Characteristics australopithecus