Smallest human relative devoured by leopard 2 million years ago

A new discovery in South Africa has revealed one of the smallest human relatives ever found. Scientists unearthed leg and hip bones from a young female Paranthropus robustus. This early human stood just 3 feet, 4.5 inches tall and lived about 2 million years ago. Researchers believe she may have been eaten by a leopard. The bones were found in the Swartkrans limestone cave. This area, known as the Cradle of Humankind, is rich in fossils. The leg bones of P. robustus are rare, so this discovery is crucial for understanding their movement and appearance. Scientists describe this species as robust, with large teeth and a stocky build. Researchers analyzed the bones and determined that the individual was likely a young adult female. The combination of strong hip bones and slender leg bones indicates that P. robustus walked on two feet but may have also climbed trees for food or to escape predators. The evidence suggests that this young female was killed by a leopard. Leopards hunt prey that typically weighs around 55 pounds, and this P. robustus likely weighed about 60 pounds. Marks on the bones matched those of leopard teeth, strengthening the theory about her cause of death. Despite the important findings, scientists are puzzled by the small size of P. robustus. There is no clear evidence that insular dwarfism affected this species, as seen in other small hominins. The reasons for their small stature could involve natural variations within the species or environmental factors. Further excavation at the site may uncover more bones from this individual, which could provide additional insights into her life and the species as a whole. Researchers are hopeful about finding more of the skeleton.