Which Australopithecine species is known for having a gorilla-like shoulder blade?

The species known for having a gorilla-like shoulder blade is Australopithecus afarensis. This species is characterized by skeletal features that suggest adaptations for both climbing and bipedalism. The gorilla-like shoulder blade indicates that Australopithecus afarensis was somewhat adapted to a life in the trees, similar to how modern gorillas use their limbs for both climbing and movement on the ground. The structure of the shoulder blade reflects its capability for a climbing lifestyle while still being an efficient biped, showcasing a transitional form in human evolution.

The other Australopithecine species have different anatomical adaptations that do not exhibit the same shoulder blade morphology as seen in Australopithecus afarensis. For example, Australopithecus robustus and Australopithecus aethiopicus have features that are more indicative of their specialized diets and environmental adaptations rather than a dual lifestyle of climbing and walking. Similarly, Australopithecus africanus has skeletal features more aligned with bipedalism without the pronounced climbing adaptations highlighted by the shoulder structure seen in Australopithecus afarensis.