Australopithecus sediba
Secrets within the teeth of the first Homo fossils
New studies of the enamel-dentin junction show that early members of our genus may have been less distinctive than we think
![Closeup of three left mandibular molars with cracks and wear](/content/images/size/w1460/2024/01/sk-15-occlusal-view-web-banner-johnhawks.jpg)
All the hominins made tools
A study of associations between stone tool evidence and fossil hominin remains shows that a wide range of species made stone artifacts.
![Chimpanzee holding a stick wrapped around its hand and placing lips on the stick](/content/images/size/w1460/2023/12/chimpanzee-algae-fishing-tool-use-bossou-wikipedia-anup-shah.jpg)
Guide to Australopithecus species
These ancient human relatives include the first species with evidence of upright walking and running like humans. They represent more than a third of our evolutionary history.
![Five fossil skulls in three-quarter view looking toward the right](/content/images/size/w1460/2023/09/australopithecus-skulls-montage.jpg)
Research highlight: Mandibles from Malapa
My research with Lee Berger looking at the variation of the mandibular ramus of Australopithecus sediba.
![Research highlight: Mandibles from Malapa](/content/images/size/w1460/2022/05/mandibular-ramus-morphology-paper-front-page-2022-1.png)
When anthropologists argue about species, is it evidence, or ego?
For some people who follow human evolution news, recognizing “species” is really just about whether you’re a lumper or a splitter. Many people assume that the names of species are about ego, not evidence. But nature presents us with real challenges, which still cause different scientists to approach the