any of several extinct humanlike small-brained bipedal primates of the genus Australopithecus; they existed from 1 to 4 million years ago.

of or pertaining to the genus Australopithecus.

Extinct S. African hominids (especially genus Australopithecus) with near-human dentition and a relatively small brain. Fossils found in South and East Africa. Lived between 5 and 1.5 million years ago. Walked upright, did not have an extensive muzzle, and had similar types of premolars to modern humans. Examples found at Taung, Olduvai and Hadar.