A new research on the jaw of Australopithecus sediba has revealed that the small, apelike species are likely to share food preferences with the Homo sapiens or modern humans. Homos and A. sediba specie also shared the limitation of not being able to chew hard foods, different from other australopiths.

The research was aimed at investigating the facial and dental formation of the specie, indicating about their diet. The investigation was carried out through a computer model of an A. sediba skull that was foremost found in 2008 in South Africa. The model was used to track the impact of various force simulations on strain and stresses.

A. sediba is likely to have emerged nearly 2 million years ago and had several similarities with humans, including hands, with their face structure different from other members of their family. “Most australopiths had amazing adaptations in their jaws, teeth and faces that allowed them to process foods that were difficult to chew or crack open. Among other things, they were able to efficiently bite down on foods with very high forces”, said study co-author David Strait, an Anthropology Professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

The new evidences are of high significance since A. sediba is found to be among the nearest probable H. sapiens’ ancestors. Homo and Australopithecus are extremely closely associated with Hominini tribe. According to the study co-author, Justin Ledogar, a researcher at the University of New England in Australia, certain members of australopith family adapted towards boosting their capacity for biting powerfully while certain members like A. sediba advanced in opposite direction.

Further evolution of the latter kinds eventually led to the emergence of Homo. Therefore, it is important to understand that the feeding patterns and diet of australopiths might have been interrupted by certain ecological factors. This forms the basis to the evolution of our genre.