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SK 48

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

SK 48 is a fossilized skull of the species Paranthropus robustus. It was found at Swartkrans, South Africa, in 1950 by a quarry-worker[1]. Estimated to be about 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. It retained a canine, premolar and three molars. SK 48 was an adult at the time of death, indicated by all three molars being present. In 1952, paleontologist Robert Broom inferred that it is a female due to the diminutive sagittal crest[1].

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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  1. ^ a b "SK 48". Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
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