Paranthropus boisei skull. Front view of the skull (composite) of Paranthropus boisei,formerly known as Australopithecus boisei and Zinjanthropus boisei. This australopithecine skull was found at Olduvai Gorge,Tanzania,in 1959,by Mary Leakey. The skull was originally named Z.boisei by Louis Leakey in 1959,but became popularly known as Zinj or "Nutcracker Man" due to the enormous teeth. It is dated about 1.75 million years old. The skull is robust in shape,with sagittal crest,thick brow ridges,strong bony struts,and wide flattish "dished" face. It had a powerful lower jaw and stood 1.3 metres high. Although an early hominid,it shares many features with other primates |