BODY TYPES/SPECIES

Australopithecus afarensis - Skull and brain

Small braincase, low sloping forehead, forward-projecting face, large jaws and teeth, more ape-like than Homo.

Australopithecus afarensis - Pelvis and spine

Short broad pelvis showing upright walking; less efficient than modern humans; spine adapted for upright posture.

Australopithecus afarensis - Arms and hands

Long arms and curved fingers for climbing; bipedal on the ground but still climbed trees; less specialised for precision tool use.

Australopithecus afarensis - Legs, knees and feet

Inward-angled femur helped balance while walking; big toe more in line with other toes; bipedal but not built for endurance running.

Australopithecus afarensis - Body type

Small-bodied with a mixture of ape-like climbing features and human-like bipedal features.

Homo habilis - Skull and brain

Larger braincase than Australopithecus; low forehead and projecting face; smaller jaws and teeth; larger brain linked to tool-making and use.

Homo habilis - Pelvis and spine

Bipedal; pelvis likely more human-like than Australopithecus; supported upright walking.

Homo habilis - Arms and hands

Relatively long arms; better precision grip; thumb and fingers suited to making and using stone tools; some curved fingers suggest climbing.

Homo habilis - Legs, knees and feet

Walked upright; legs less adapted for long-distance walking than Homo erectus and Homo sapiens; feet becoming more human-like.

Homo habilis - Body type

Small-bodied with a mixture of climbing adaptations and adaptations for bipedalism and tool use.

Homo erectus - Skull and brain

Much larger braincase; long low skull; strong brow ridge; low sloping forehead; less projecting face; smaller teeth and jaws.

Homo erectus - Pelvis and spine

Pelvis adapted for efficient upright walking; more human-like S-shaped spine; better suited to long-distance walking.

Homo erectus - Arms and hands

Shorter arms relative to legs; hands adapted for gripping and tool-making; straighter fingers and less climbing ability.

Homo erectus - Legs, knees and feet

Long legs and shorter arms; inward-angled femur; arched feet; aligned big toe; well adapted for walking and endurance running.

Homo erectus - Body type

Taller and more human-like; built for an active life on the ground and travelling long distances.

Homo neanderthalensis - Skull and brain

Very large braincase; long low skull; large brow ridge; large nose opening and projecting mid-face; little or no chin; strong jaw.

Homo neanderthalensis - Pelvis and spine

Broad robust pelvis and strong hips; broad body shape helped conserve heat in cold environments.

Homo neanderthalensis - Arms and hands

Strong muscular arms; robust hands with powerful fingers and thumbs; capable of precise tool use.

Homo neanderthalensis - Legs, knees and feet

Shorter lower legs than Homo sapiens; reduced surface area helped retain heat; fully bipedal with human-like feet; strong bones.

Homo neanderthalensis - Body type

Short, broad and heavily muscled; adapted to cold climates and physically demanding hunting.

Homo sapiens - Skull and brain

Large rounded braincase; high vertical forehead; reduced brow ridge; flatter face; smaller jaws and teeth; clear chin; brain suited to complex planning and communication.

Homo sapiens - Pelvis and spine

Short broad bowl-shaped pelvis; supports organs and bipedal walking; strong S-shaped spine balances the body and absorbs shock.

Homo sapiens - Arms and hands

Arms shorter than legs; long opposable thumb; straight fingers; excellent precision grip for detailed tool-making and fine manipulation.

Homo sapiens - Legs, knees and feet

Long legs for efficient walking and running; inward-angled femur; arched feet; aligned big toe; adapted for long-distance walking and running.

Homo sapiens - Body type

Generally slimmer and less heavily built than Neanderthals; body shape varies with climate, diet and lifestyle; highly efficient upright walker and runner.