 | This article needs additional citations for verification .(November 2019) |
 | |
| Catalog no. | SK 48 |
|---|---|
| Species | Paranthropus robustus |
| Age | 1.8 mya |
| Place discovered | Swartkrans, South Africa |
| Date discovered | 1948 |
| Discovered by | Robert 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]
Contents
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.
