Australopithecines, which lived in Africa about 1.5–5.5 million years ago, represented a link between the animal world and ancient humans.

Unlike other animals, Australopithecines did not have powerful jaws, fangs, or sharp claws, and were weaker than large animals. Outwardly, they looked more like monkeys than humans, but they already walked on two legs and used tools for hunting and protection.