Which hominid ancestor fossils discovered in East Africa and dated to 2–3 million years ago walked fully erect, hunted with stone weapons, but primarily ate fruit?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Australopithecus

  1. Step 1: In 1924, Raymond Dart discovered the fossil of the Taung Child in South Africa, identifying Australopithecus.
  2. Step 2: Donald Johanson later found 'Lucy' in Ethiopia, establishing Australopithecus afarensis.
  3. Step 3: Australopithecines possessed bipedal bipedalism and pelvic adaptations for erect posture, had a cranial capacity of , used simple stone weapons, and ate a predominantly fruit-based diet.
Answer
Australopithecus.
Why not the others: Homo erectus appeared later (1.5 mya) with cranial capacity and ate meat; Ramapithecus was a more ape-like ancestor living 15 mya; Homo neanderthalensis lived much later and possessed complex hunting culture.

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