AN ATTEMPTED RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOCIOE COLOGY OF AUSTRALOPITHECUS AFARENSIS

There are numerous approaches as to reconstruct the life of early homi nids. In this study, the reconstruction for A. afarensis is founded on the sociobiological characteristics of extant humans and great Africa n apes, along with data coming from studies in palaeoanthropology (die t, palaeoenvironnement, size, sexual dimorphism, locomotion) and their socioecological significance. These features would indicate a fusion/ fission social system centred around a group of kin-related males, but certainly with some peculiar characteristics in its organization whic h are still difficult to evaluate.