Overview
Known primarily from the famous KNM-ER 1470 skull with its large, flat face and relatively large brain. Classified alternatively as Homo rudolfensis, Kenyanthropus rudolfensis, or an early member of Homo habilis. The flat face has led some researchers to link it with Kenyanthropus platyops, suggesting a lineage parallel to other early Homo.
Key Fossils
KNM-ER 1470 (cranium), KNM-ER 1802 (mandible), KNM-ER 62000
Brain Anatomy
No Cranial Data Available
Tools & Technology
No Tool Associations
Diet & Food Sources
Likely omnivorous
| Food Source | Type | Evidence | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubers and roots (C3) | Tuber | Isotopic | Moderate |
Social Organization
| Group Size | 25–45 individuals |
|---|---|
| Method | Dunbar neocortex |
| Structure | Multi male multi female |
| Sexual Dimorphism | 1.10x (male/female body mass) |
H. rudolfensis: large brain; social structure poorly constrained.
Phylogenetic Relationships
| Related Species | Relationship | Confidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyanthropus platyops | Possible ancestor | Weak | Some researchers link the flat-faced K. platyops to the flat-faced H. rudolfensis |
Key Specimens
| Specimen | Name | Site | Year | Age (MYA) | Completeness | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNM-ER 1470 | 1470 skull | Koobi Fora | 1972 | 1.90 | 55.00% | Large-brained early Homo; rudolfensis debate |
Pathology & Healthcare Evidence
Degenerative — KNM-ER 1470
Affected: Cranium KNM-ER 1470
Taphonomic vs pathologic changes debated; included as comparative “complex” case.
Survival: N/A
Comparative Anatomy
| Encephalization Quotient | 3.20 |
|---|---|
| Intermembral Index | 86.0 |
| Locomotion | Obligate biped |
| Foramen Magnum | Anterior |
| Precision Grip | Rudimentary |
| Pelvic Shape | Intermediate |
| Robusticity | Moderate |
| Big Toe | Fully adducted |
| Thorax | Intermediate |
H. rudolfensis: large brain, flat face (KNM-ER 1470).
Isotope Analyses
| System | Value | Material | Site | Date (MYA) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| delta C13 | -8.80 | Enamel | Koobi Fora | 1.900 | KNM-ER 1470 early Homo: δ13C within early Homo “C3-heavy” spread. |
Dating Evidence
| Method | Date (MYA) | Uncertainty | Material | Site / Specimen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ar Ar | 2.5000 | ± 0.0500 | Tuffs West Turkana | West Turkana |
| Ar Ar | 1.5600 | ± 0.0200 | KBS Tuff (context) | Koobi Fora / KNM-WT 15000 |
Fossil Occurrences
The Paleobiology Database records 1 fossil occurrence(s) attributed to Homo rudolfensis. View on map →
| Identified As | Location | Formation | Age (MYA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homo rudolfensis | MW | Chiwondo | 5.33 – 0.01 |
Data from the Paleobiology Database (CC-BY).
Scientific References
- (1992). "Origin and evolution of the genus Homo". Nature 355:783-790