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loe evolution lec6
loe lec6
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who proposed Africa as the origin of mankind, and when? | Charles Darwin in The Descent of Man (1871). |
| What discovery marked a shift in understanding human origins? | The discovery of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) in 1974. |
| How many species and families are included in the Primate Order? | Approximately 233 species in 13 families. |
| What are key facial structure traits of primates? | Flattened faces and forward-directed orbits for stereoscopic vision. |
| What features characterize primate limbs? | Highly mobile limb bones, opposable thumbs and toes. |
| Define synapomorphies and autoapomorphies in primates. | Synapomorphies: Shared traits like large brains, upright posture, and flexible wrists. Autoapomorphies: Species-specific traits such as hairlessness and larger brow ridges. |
| What is included in the family Hominidae? | Modern humans and great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans). |
| What does the term "hominin" refer to? | Humans and human-like ancestors. |
| Differentiate between gracile and robust hominids. | Gracile Forms: Genus Australopithecus (e.g., A. afarensis, A. africanus). Robust Forms: Genus Paranthropus, adapted for eating tough vegetation. |
| What is a molecular clock? | A method to trace species divergence using amino acid sequences. |
| What are synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions? | Synonymous: Do not change the amino acid. Nonsynonymous: Alter the amino acid. |
| What genetic similarity exists between humans and chimps? | 95%. |
| Why is the Great Rift Valley significant in human evolution? | It is rich in ancient fossil deposits, dated using Potassium/Argon methods. |
| Name two key fossils and their significance. | Sahelanthropus tchadensis: Potential common ancestor of humans and chimps. Kenyanthropus platyops: Over 3 million years old with gracile features. |
| When did early hominids begin diverging into gracile and robust species? | Approximately 2–3 million years ago. |
| Provide details about three prominent fossils. | Lucy: 3.2 million years old, fully bipedal. Homo habilis: Associated with stone tools, brain size of 510 cm³. Homo ergaster: Brain size of 910 cm³, taller stature. |
| What are characteristics of modern Homo species? | Shorter, flat faces; prominent noses; cranium volumes exceeding 1200 cm³. |
| What is notable about the coexistence of hominid species? | Multiple hominid species coexisted throughout the last 3 million years. |
| Where do human origins trace back to, and what discovery reshaped understanding? | Africa, with the discovery of Lucy. |
| What do molecular studies reveal about humans and chimps? | A strong genetic relationship with 95% similarity. |
| How have pivotal fossils shaped our understanding of human evolution? | They highlight transitions from early hominids to modern humans, showcasing key adaptations. |