Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Teeth Reveal Surprising Sex Diversity in Paranthropus

6/1/2025

24 6

Summary

Story summary

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by determining the sex of four Paranthropus robustus individuals, a species that roamed southern Africa 2.2 million years ago. Using paleoproteomics to analyze ancient tooth enamel, they uncovered genetic diversity that challenges old beliefs about sex determination based on tooth size, hinting at new species and evolutionary possibilities.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by determining the sex of four Paranthropus robustus individuals, a species that roamed southern Africa 2.2 million years ago. Using paleoproteomics to analyze ancient tooth enamel, they uncovered genetic diversity that challenges old beliefs about sex determination based on tooth size, hinting at new species and evolutionary possibilities.