1. Ardipithecus Ramids EVOLUTION ASSIGNMENT DATE: SEPT.28/2015 BY: STACEY WALLACE

2. Meaning of the name  The name is derived from the local Afar language. ‘Ardi’ means ‘ground’ or ‘floor’ and ‘pithecus’ is Latin Greek for ‘ape’. The name ‘ramid’ means ‘root’ in the Afar language.

3. Physical description  The only body size estimate scientists have made so far are based on the partial female skeleton (“Ardi”), found in Ethiopia in 1994.  Height: Females average 3 ft. 11 inches  Weight: Females: average 110 lbs.  Scientists believe that males would have been similar to females in size.  The ‘Ardi’ skeleton reflects a human-African ape

5. When and where they lived  Where : Eastern Africa (Ethiopia)  When : About 4.4 million years ago

6. How they did what was unique to them  Because this species had ape-like feet, they probably spent a considerable amount of time in the trees looking for food and shelter.  feet were relatively flat and lacked arches, indicating this species could probably not walk or run long distances.  Ardi had a big toe that helped to move around in trees.

7. Evolution  ``Ardi`` is said to be the worlds oldest and most complete skeleton of a potential human ancestor.  Scientists say this this is the closest they have ever came to finding the last common ancestor between chimpanzees and humans.

8. Adaptations  Like most hominids, but unlike all previously recognized hominins, it had a big toe adapted for locomotion in the trees.  features suggest this species was able to walk upright on the ground yet efficiently climb trees  feet that are more rigid and provide a better lever for walking

9. References http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human- fossils/species/ardipithecus-ramidus http://archaeologyinfo.com/ardipithecus-ramidus/ http://australianmuseum.net.au/ardipithecus-ramidus http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/091001-oldest- human-skeleton-ardi-missing-link-chimps-ardipithecus-ramidus.html