SK 48

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SK 48

Catalog number	SK 48
Species	Paranthropus robustus
Age	1.8 mya
Place discovered	Swartkrans, South Africa
Date discovered	1948
Discovered by	Robert Broom

SK 48 is a fossilized skull of the species Paranthropus robustus. It was found at Swartkrans, South Africa in 1948 by Robert Broom.

It is estimated to be 1.8 million years old.

It is characterized by a robust appearance, bulging and continuous brow, broad flat face and a deep jaw with large chewing teeth/muscle attachments.

The mandible SK 23 was discovered at the same time and in the same location. Even though studies indicate that it came from a separate individual, the two fossils are considered so closely related that they can be studied together. The mandible is also very robust and contains a complete dentition.

[edit] See also

List of fossil sites (with link directory)
List of hominina (hominid) fossils (with images)

[edit] References

Image of SK 48
Tattersall, Ian, Schwartz, Jeffery (2000). Extinct Humans. Westview Press, Boulder CO. ISBN 0-8133-3482-9.
Museum of Science. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
Larsen, Clark Spencer, Matter, Robert M, Gebo, Daniel L (1991). Human Origins: the fossil record. Waveland Press, Prospect Heights, IL. ISBN 0-88133-575-4.