Answer :
When comparing two fossils, especially if they are hypothesized to be from the male and female crania of Papio, certain cranial and facial traits are essential for species determination.
For instance, in assessing whether two fossils belong to the same genus or species as Papio, one might consider traits like the degree of prognathism (the extent to which the jaw projects forward) and the presence of sexual dimorphism in the skull features such as size or crest structures.
Additionally, if comparing to the genus Homo, traits like tool use evidence and dietary flexibility might come into play. One would also note any significant variation in facial and cranial size that might indicate different environmental adaptations or sexual differences within the species.
Considering a robust australopithecine such as Paranthropus boisei, features like the sagittal crest for muscle attachment and large teeth for grinding tough plant material would be key characteristics for classification. Understanding these differences allows paleoanthropologists to classify diverse fossils into either gracile or robust australopithecines based on their morphological adaptations.
