Assessing the morphological variability of robust australopithecines is the main aim of Para\doxes, as this is the basis of testing hypotheses regarding their phylogeny and evolution. In this context, a focus on intraspecific variability is fundamental given its importance in defining biologically meaningful units. Re-evaluation of taxonomical relationships is a secondary aim, and we will test monophyletic and paraphyletic hypotheses. 

Key questions include:

• Is the current species-level paradigm of robust australopithecines biologically accurate or is there unrecognized taxonomical diversity?

• Are phylogenetic relations between A./P. boisei and A./P. robustus better explained by monophyly or paraphyly? 

• Is A./P. aethiopicus a suitable ancestor for robust australopithecines as a monophyletic group?