First known hand fossils of extinct human relative reveal ‘surprising’ features

The long thumb and straight fingers would have allowed Paranthropus boisei to form a powerful grip, similar to how modern humans might grasp a hammer. Other features, such as the broad shape of the finger bones, closely resemble those of a gorilla. Louise Leakey

The first known hand fossils from an extinct human relative have been unearthed in Kenya, revealing a species with unexpected dexterity and a gorilla-like grip. The hand bones, which were discovered alongside skull and teeth fossils, are leading researchers to believe these early humans may have been able to use stone tools.

Paranthropus boisei was previously identified only by its distinctive skull and large teeth, with molars up to four times bigger than those of living humans, so researchers didn’t know what the rest of the