Stony Brook University: New Fossil of an Ancient Human Relative Shows it Could Grip and had Surprising Dexterity

For more than half a century, scientists have debated whether Paranthropus boisei , an extinct human relative known for its extremely powerful jaws and massive teeth, could make and use stone tools. Now, researchers report in the journal Nature the first hand and foot bones unambiguously associated with this species. Their work shows that P. boisei had human-like dexterity with gorilla-like gripping strength.

“This is the first time we can confidently link Paranthropus boisei to specific hand and foot bones,” says Dr. Carrie S. Mongle , a paleoanthropologist and Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Stony Brook University, who led the study. “The hand shows it could form precision grips similar to ours, while also retaining powerful grasping capabilities more like tho