Lucy is the common name of AL 288-1, a collection of several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40 percent of the skeleton of a female of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis. Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia, Lucy is one of the oldest and most complete fossil skeletons of any adult, erect-walking human ancestor.
How Old is Lucy?
Lucy’s fossils are estimated to be around 3.2 million years old.
Why is Lucy Significant?
Lucy’s discovery was significant because her skeletal remains provided critical evidence about early human evolution, showing traits that combined human-like walking with some ape-like features. Her relatively complete skeleton has helped scientists understand more about the appearance and behavior of our early ancestors.
How Did Lucy Get Her Name?
The name “Lucy” comes from the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles, which was playing in the camp during the excavation when her remains were discovered.
What Did Lucy Look Like?
Lucy stood about 1.1 meters (3 feet 7 inches) tall and weighed around 29 kilograms (64 pounds). She had a small brain size similar to that of a chimpanzee but walked upright on two legs, a key characteristic of human ancestors.
Where is Lucy’s Fossil Kept?
The original fossil remains of Lucy are housed in the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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