The 3.18-million-year-old australopithecine discovered at Hadar, Ethiopia, in 1974 marks a significant fossil find in the study of human evolution. This ancient hominid, referred to as A.L. by researchers, was unearthed by a team led by Donald Johanson. The discovery provided crucial insights into the physical characteristics and behaviors of early human ancestors, illustrating their place in the evolutionary lineage.

Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" highlights this find as part of a broader narrative about the history of life on Earth. The book explores various scientific topics and the contributions of key figures, showcasing how discoveries like A.L. enrich our understanding of history, biology, and anthropology.