Anna Katherine Behrensmeyer

scientist

Anna Katherine 'Kay' Behrensmeyer is a distinguished senior research geologist and curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. She is renowned for her contributions to the field of paleontology, particularly her work on fossil trackways and the study of ancient ecosystems. Behrensmeyer played a pivotal role in uncovering significant fossil evidence in East Turkana, Kenya, including the tracks of the extinct hominin Paranthropus boisei, which provide valuable insights into the locomotion and social behavior of early human relatives. Her research has greatly enhanced our understanding of the interactions between ancient species and their environments, making her a key figure in uncovering the evolutionary history of hominins.