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 KNM-WT 17000 cast | |
| Common name | KNM-WT 17000 |
|---|---|
| Species | Paranthropus aethiopicus |
| Age | 2.5 million years |
| Place discovered | Lake Turkana, Kenya |
| Date discovered | 1985 |
| Discovered by | Alan Walker |
KNM-WT 17000 (also known as "The Black Skull") is a fossilized adult skull of the species Paranthropus aethiopicus . It was discovered in West Turkana, Kenya by Alan Walker in 1985. [1] Estimated to be 2.5 million years old, the fossil is an adult with an estimated cranial capacity of 410 cc. [1] [2]
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The fossil's characteristics include a robust build with a prominent sagittal crest. Its distinct coloration is due to the high manganese content of the material it was embedded in. [2] This fossilized cranium's face projects far outward from the forehead, has wide flared zygomatic arches, and has a large sagittal crest. The molar and premolar roots in the jaw are indicative of this early human having massive cheek teeth; an adaptation for heavy chewing. It is the only known adult skull of the species. [1] [2] [3]
While its relationship to other fossil hominin taxa was not immediately clear at the time of its discovery, further studies have suggested it is a possible ancestor of two species: Paranthropus boisei , of east Africa, and Paranthropus robustus , of South Africa.
