The term for the bony protuberance found on top of the skulls of robust australopithecines is the sagittal crest. This feature is a ridge of bone running along the top of the skull from front to back. The sagittal crest serves as an attachment point for powerful jaw muscles, indicating a diet that required significant chewing force, such as tough vegetation or hard foods. This adaptation is commonly seen in robust australopithecines like Paranthropus, distinguishing them from other hominins.
In summary, the sagittal crest is a prominent bony ridge on the skull of robust australopithecines, serving as an anchor for strong jaw muscles related to their dietary habits.
