KNM WT 17000

KNM-WT 17000 (also known as "The Black Skull") is a fossilized adult skull of the species Paranthropus aethiopicus. It was discovered in West Turkana, Kenya by Alan Walker in 1985.^[1] Estimated to be 2.5 million years old, the fossil is an adult with an estimated cranial capacity of 410 cc.^[1][2]

^[1]

Common nameKNM-WT 17000

SpeciesParanthropus aethiopicus

Age2.5 million years

Place discoveredLake Turkana, Kenya

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KNM-WT 17000

KNM-WT 17000 cast
Common name	KNM-WT 17000
Species	Paranthropus aethiopicus
Age	2.5 million years
Place discovered	Lake Turkana, Kenya
Date discovered	1985
Discovered by	Alan Walker

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The fossil's characteristics include a robust build with a prominent sagittal crest. Its distinct coloration is due to the high manganese content of the material it was embedded in.^[2] This fossilized cranium's face projects far outward from the forehead, has wide flared zygomatic arches, and has a large sagittal crest. The molar and premolar roots in the jaw are indicative of this early human having massive cheek teeth; an adaptation for heavy chewing. It is the only known adult skull of the species.^[1][2][3]

While its relationship to other fossil hominin taxa was not immediately clear at the time of its discovery, further studies have suggested it is a possible ancestor of two species: Paranthropus boisei, of east Africa, and Paranthropus robustus, of South Africa.