Special issue: Australopithecus sediba --- The Shoulder, Arm, and Forearm of Australopithecus sediba

Abstract

The bones of the pectoral girdle and upper limb are well represented among the fossils thus far recovered from Malapa (Gauteng Province, South Africa). Malapa Hominin 2, a partial skeleton representing an adult female of Australopithecus sediba, preserves a largely complete right pectoral girdle and upper limb, including the most complete scapula yet recovered of an adult australopith, as well as fragmentary remains from the left side. The subadult male holotype specimen of Au. sediba, Malapa Hominin 1, preserves portions of the right clavicle, right and left humeri, right ulna, and right radius. This wealth of remains reveals a shoulder, arm, and forearm in Au. sediba that was predominantly primitive in its morphology, and which suggests the retention of substantial climb-ing and suspensory ability.This special issue is guest-edited by Scott A. Williams (Department of Anthropology, New York University) and Jeremy M. DeSilva (Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College). This is article #4 of 9.