Lucy's back: Reassessment of fossils associated with the A.L. 288-1 vertebral column

摘要: Abstract The Australopithecus afarensis partial skeleton A.L. 288-1, popularly known as “Lucy” is associated with nine vertebrae. vertebrae were given provisional level assignments to locations within the vertebral column by their discoverers and later workers. continuity of thoracic series differs in these assessments, which has implications for functional interpretations comparative studies other fossil hominins. Johanson colleagues described one element (A.L. 288-1am) uniquely worn amongst 288-1 assemblage, a condition unobservable on casts fossils. Here, we reassess species attribution serial position this fragment series. When compared vertebrae, 288-1am falls well below expected size spinal column. Furthermore, demonstrate vertebra exhibits non-metric characters absent hominoids but common large-bodied papionins. Quantitative analyses situate genus Theropithecus, today solely represented gelada baboon was most abundant cercopithecoid KH-1s deposit at Hadar where Lucy discovered. Our additional confirm that remainder material belongs A. afarensis, provide new some resulting continuous articular from T6 T11. This work does not refute previous or its importance human evolution, rather highlights studying original fossils, efficacy scientific method.