SK 48 is a fossilised skull of the species Paranthropus robustus. It was found at Swartkrans, South Africa, in 1948 by palaeontologist Robert Broom. Estimated to be about 1.8 million years old, it is characterised by a robust appearance, bulging and continuous brow, broad flat face and a deep jaw with large chewing teeth/muscle attachments.

SK 48
Catalog no.SK 48
SpeciesParanthropus robustus
Age1.8 mya
Place discoveredSwartkrans, South Africa
Date discovered1948
Discovered byRobert Broom

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.

See also

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References

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  • Larsen, Clark Spencer, Matter, Robert M, Gebo, Daniel L (1991). Human Origins: the fossil record. Waveland Press, Prospect Heights, IL. ISBN 978-0-88133-575-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Tattersall, Ian, Schwartz, Jeffery (2000). Extinct Humans. Westview Press, Boulder CO. ISBN 978-0-8133-3482-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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