A groundbreaking discovery in paleoanthropology has emerged with the identification of hand and foot fossils unequivocally linked to Paranthropus boisei, a hominin species once thought to be incapable of tool-making. This finding, published in Nature on October 15, 2025, challenges long-held assumptions about early human evolution and tool use.

The fossils were uncovered in East Africa and are associated with craniodental remains of P. boisei. Notably, the hand morphology of P. boisei exhibits features similar to those of gorillas, suggesting adaptations for powerful grasping and manual food processing. These traits imply that P. boisei possessed the dexterity necessary for tool manipulation, supporting the idea that this species may have engaged in tool-making behaviors.

Fig. Summary of ancestral state reconstructions highlighting key inferred transitions in hominin hand evolution.

As shown in the figure, hominin hand morphology underwent multiple key transitions, gradually evolving from a primitive structure suited for grasping and climbing to a more dexterous hand adapted for fine manipulation. The hand of Paranthropus boisei exhibits both retained strong grasping ability and a certain degree of dexterity.

This discovery is significant for several reasons. First, it provides concrete evidence linking P. boisei to behaviors previously attributed solely to the genus Homo. Second, it enhances our understanding of the functional anatomy of Paranthropus, a genus that has often been overshadowed by its more famous relatives. Finally, it prompts a reevaluation of the dietary and behavioral distinctions between Paranthropus and Homo, suggesting a more complex picture of hominin evolution.

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Reference

Mongle, C.S., Orr, C.M., Tocheri, M.W. et al. New fossils reveal the hand of Paranthropus boisei. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09594-8