Australopithecines are a group of extinct hominids that first appeared in Africa approximately four million years ago. Synonyms for Australopithecines include australopiths, early hominids, and pre-human ancestors. These primitive creatures were bipedal, meaning they walked on two legs, and possessed a combination of ape-like and human-like characteristics. They were also small-brained and likely had limited cognitive abilities. Despite their relatively low intelligence, Australopithecines were able to make and use tools, and some evidence suggests they may have engaged in social behaviors and communication. The most famous Australopithecine is Lucy, a nearly complete skeleton found in Ethiopia in 1974.