ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Australopithecus anamensis

Australopithecus anamensis is a type of very, very old primate who lived a long time ago, before even the time of dinosaurs. They were kind of like our distant cousins, meaning we have some things in common with them, but we are not exactly the same.

These creatures had very long arms, which they used to swing from trees and climb around on branches. They also walked on two legs, just like us humans. Their feet were shaped differently from ours though - their toes were more spread out to help them grip the ground better.

We know about Australopithecus anamensis because scientists found some of their fossils in a place called East Africa, where they used to live. They were able to use things like bones and teeth to learn more about what these creatures were like and what they ate.

Even though these animals lived a very long time ago and they are not here anymore, it is important to learn about them to better understand our own evolution and how we became the humans we are today.