Deck 5: Human Origins

Question 1

The popular belief among many evangelical Protestant Christians that argues God created the Earth between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago is called:

A) natural selection.
B) creationism.
C) evolution.
D) "out of Africa" theory.
E) Deep Time.

Answer 1

creationism.

Question 2

Radiocarbon dating can be applied to:

A) stone tools.
B) stone of volcanic origin.
C) organic remains.
D) only dates earlier than 70,000 BP.
E) only dates later than 25,000 BP.

Answer 2

organic remains.

Question 3

Calculations of DNA mutation rates indicate that Native Americans were derived from northeast Asians who migrated to the Americas about:

A) 15,000 years ago.
B) 30,000 years ago.
C) 100,000 years ago.
D) 150,000 years ago.
E) 200,000 years ago.

Answer 3

15,000 years ago.

Question 4

Mutations are:

A) always harmful.
B) always more beneficial than previous forms of the standard DNA code.
C) a source of new genetic variation.
D) produced only when there is an environmental toxin.
E) the mechanism of intelligent design.

Question 5

DNA studies place the migration of humans out of Africa at about:

A) 3 million years ago.
B) 1 million years ago.
C) 250,000 years ago.
D) 100,000 years ago.
E) 50,000 years ago.

Question 6

Genetic studies of mtDNA indicate that:

A) all living modern humans have a matrilineal ancestor who lived in Africa 170,000 years ago.
B) there is less genetic variation in African populations.
C) it is the only source of new genetic material.
D) Native Americans had a high incidence of disease.
E) there is more genetic variation farther from Africa.

Question 7

In the example of the peppered moths, the moths evolved in a darker coloration because:

A) the pollutants covered the moths and made them appear darker.
B) the moths were able to turn black and pass the color to their offspring.
C) a mutation for a darker color took place.
D) the moths that were already darker were selected for.
E) they became nocturnal.

Question 8

In order for an organism to become a fossil, it must be:

A) buried in limestone caves.
B) totally skeletonized by scavengers.
C) buried in oxygen-free sediment.
D) exposed to erosion.
E) buried in a wet, oxygen-rich environment.

Question 9

The best, most succinct definition of evolution is:

A) a change in physical appearance over time.
B) the change in human populations in one generation.
C) any type of genetic mutation.
D) that biological adaptations in organisms occur in response to changes in the environment and develop over generations.
E) the changes that occur in an organism when it is exposed to a mutagen.

Question 10

Which of the following is a technique of relative dating?

A) stratigraphy
B) radiocarbon
C) potassium/argon
D) radiopotassium
E) uranium/lead

Question 11

Scientists who study fossil remains of our early human ancestors are called:

A) paleogeneticists.
B) odontologists.
C) paleoanthropologists.
D) creationists.
E) archaeologists.

Question 12

What is the term for the natural history of Earth and the universe, including the span of human existence?

A) evolution
B) multiregional replacement thesis
C) natural selection
D) Deep Time
E) creation

Question 13

What increases the frequency of mutations that are usually the result of environmental agents?

A) Klinefelter's syndrome
B) natural selection
C) mutagens
D) hereditary factors
E) radiocarbon

Question 14

The radiopotassium dating technique is applied to:

A) fossilized bone.
B) stone of volcanic origin.
C) organic remains.
D) bones and teeth.
E) limestone.

Question 15

The idea that life is too complex to be random and proposes an evidence-based rather than religious-based argument is called:

A) natural selection.
B) founder effect.
C) intelligent design.
D) religious interpretations.
E) the "blueprint of life."

Question 16

Where have the fossils of our earliest human ancestors been found?

A) Africa
B) Europe
C) North America
D) Australia
E) Asia

Question 17

Any dating technique that gives a specific date for a fossil is called:

A) absolute.
B) stratigraphic.
C) relative.
D) radiometric.
E) ecometric.

Question 18

The process that preserves an organism through a chemical process that turns it partially or wholly into rock is called:

A) sedimentation.
B) fossilization.
C) decomposition.
D) stratigraphy.
E) carbonization.

Question 19

A dating technique that indicates the age of a fossil in comparison to nearby plants, animals, or cultural artifacts is called:

A) absolute.
B) stratigraphic.
C) relative.
D) radiometric.
E) ecometric.

Question 20

The genetic code is carried by:

A) RNA.
B) proteins.
C) DNA.
D) mutagens.
E) variation.

Question 21

When a small part of a population with a unique phenotypical characteristic migrates to a new location and begins to reproduce separately as a new, distinct group, the process is called:

A) gene flow.
B) founder effect.
C) genetic mutation.
D) gene migration.
E) natural selection.

Question 22

Acheulian stone tools are associated with:

A) Australopithecus.
B) Homo hablis.
C) Homo erectus.
D) Homo sapiens.
E) Neandertals.

Question 23

Genetic adaptation:

A) occurs at the population level.
B) is reversible during an individual's lifetime.
C) is cumulative.
D) only applies to changes in skin color in populations as they moved away from the equator.
E) occurs at the individual level.

Question 24

Oldowan refers to:

A) the earliest stone tools found in Africa.
B) Archaic humans from Olduvai Gorge.
C) spears.
D) stone tools developed by Neandertals.
E) stone tools developed by modern Homo sapiens.

Question 25

According to the "out of Africa" theory, the disappearance of Neandertals resulted from:

A) modern Homo sapiens evolving first in Africa and migrating to other areas, eventually replacing Neandertals.
B) interbreeding with Homo erectus.
C) modern Homo sapiens directly evolving from Neandertals.
D) changes in the environment that decreased survivability.
E) modern Homo sapiens displacing Homo erectus in Africa, who in turn displaced Neandertals in Europe.

Question 26

Although DNA prescribes genetic possibility, other environmental factors such as nutrition and disease can impact the human life cycle. This is called:

A) genetic adaptations.
B) developmental adaptations.
C) acclimatization.
D) cultural adaptations.
E) mutagens.

Question 27

The site at Middle Awash River Valley, Ethiopia, has yielded fossil discoveries of:

A) both archaic and modern human ancestors.
B) Neandertals.
C) a primitive species dubbed the "Hobbit."
D) the skeletal remains of the Turkana Boy.
E) Sahelanthropus.

Question 28

Which of the following was a contemporary hominid with Australopithecus, but had a significantly larger brain?

A) Australopithecus afarensis
B) Homo hablis
C) Australopithecus africanus
D) Ardipithecus ramidus
E) Sahelanthropus

Question 29

The "Hobbit" of Flores Island, Indonesia, is characterized by all of the following, EXCEPT:

A) short stature.
B) primitive wrist bones.
C) tiny brain size.
D) powerful jaw with large molars.
E) microcephaly.

Question 30

Around 15,000 yBP, modern Homo sapiens had left Asia and migrated to:

A) Europe.
B) North and South America.
C) Australia.
D) Indonesia.
E) Madagascar.

Question 31

The evolution of bipedal locomotion has NOT been associated with what environment?

A) African savannah
B) African woodlands
C) lake edges in Africa
D) temperate forests of Europe
E) Asian rain forests

Question 32

What does the multiregional continuity thesis propose?

A) Modern Homo sapiens evolved directly from archaic Homo sapiens.
B) Modern Homo sapiens appeared first in Europe.
C) Modern Homo sapiens displaced archaic Homo sapiens.
D) Modern Homo sapiens wiped out archaic Homo sapiens in competition for resources.
E) Modern Homo sapiens gave rise to Neandertals, but Neandertals were unsuccessful in adapting.

Question 33

The sickle-cell gene is found in high frequency in certain African countries mainly along the equator because:

A) the mutation increases the body's ability to regulate heat.
B) the gene can give protection against rickets.
C) it is in response to natural selection.
D) it provides protection against the harmful effect of ultraviolet radiation.
E) the mutation increases the body's ability to carry oxygen.

Question 34

Genetic drift:

A) is a nonrandom change in the gene pool.
B) has greatest effect in a large population.
C) includes founder effect.
D) is an accumulation of mutations.
E) is not a mechanism of evolution.

Question 35

The increasing role of culture, complex social structures, increased brain size, and complex mental activities most likely occurred in:

A) Australopithecus.
B) Homo hablis.
C) Homo erectus.
D) Homo sapiens.
E) Ardipithecus.

Question 36

Which of the following lists our human ancestors in chronological order, from oldest to youngest?

A) Australopithecus afarensis, Ardipithecus ramidus, Homo erectus, Homo hablis, Homo sapiens
B) Ardipithecus ramidus, Australopithecus afarensis, Homo hablis, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens
C) Homo sapiens, Homo erectus, Homo hablis, Australopithecus afarensis, Ardipithecus ramidus
D) Ardipithecus ramidus, Australopithecus afarensis, Homo erectus, Homo hablis, Homo sapiens
E) Australopithecus afarensis, Homo hablis, Ardipithecus ramidus, Homo sapiens, Homo erectus

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT associated with Neanderthal material culture?

A) elaborate toolmaking
B) first evidence of agriculture
C) burial of dead
D) speech
E) sophisticated hunting technique

Question 38

Modern Homo sapiens first entered Australia about:

A) 400,000 years ago.
B) 40,000 years ago.
C) 24,000 years ago.
D) 14,000 years ago.
E) 10,000 years ago.

Question 39

Which of the following describes an individual who would show developmental adaptation?

A) Someone who has spent their adult life in a high-altitude environment.
B) Someone who has temporarily moved to a high-altitude environment as an adult but returns to low alititude for a short time.
C) Someone who has grown up in a high-altitude environment.
D) Someone who was born in a low-altitude environment but whose parents grew up in a high altitude environment.
E) Someone who was raised at and spends their adult life at low altitude.

Question 40

Gene migration is defined as:

A) production of new genes.
B) random loss of genes in a population.
C) differential reproduction success.
D) exchange of genes between populations.
E) increase of genetic diversity among groups.

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a physiological adaptation?

A) tanning
B) sunscreen
C) reduction in jaw size
D) sweating
E) increased heart rate

Question 42

Imagine the classroom as a distinct population with unique genes. Explain how genetic drift would occur over several generations and why it is more effective in a smaller population.

Question 43

A group of related organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile, viable offspring are called a:

A) founding population.
B) phenotype.
C) species.
D) kinship group.
E) genetic drift.

Question 44

Acclimatization refers to:

A) temporary physiological changes in response to the environment.
B) genetic changes seen in a population.
C) permanent changes seen in the human body in response to the immediate environment.
D) the synthesis of vitamin D.
E) inability to adapt to the environment.

Question 45

Modern Homo sapiens settled in the Pacific Islands approximately 40,000 years ago due to:

A) stress on food resources.
B) increased social organization.
C) uncontrolled population growth.
D) the lowering of sea levels due to a cooling climate.
E) being displaced by Neandertals.

Question 46

Explain how the principle of natural selection has been a contributor to evolutionary theory. Discuss examples where this has occurred in a population.

Question 47

Describe the influence of biblical teachings on the origins of life. Using examples to make your points, explain how evolutionary theory and religion became a lightning rod for the battle over the teaching of evolution in the education arena.

Question 48

What are the differences between absolute dating techniques and relative dating techniques?

Question 49

Complex innovations that allow humans to cope with the environment are called:

A) developmental adaptations.
B) physiological adaptations.
C) genetic adaptations.
D) cultural adaptations.
E) acclimatization.

Question 50

Explain the process of fossilization. Relate some of the critical factors necessary for fossilization of an organism to be successful. Why are fossils rare?

Question 51

Which of the following absorbs ultraviolet radiation as a natural sunscreen?

A) melanocyctes
B) melanin
C) folic acid
D) vitamin D
E) vitamin C

Question 52

Ultraviolet radiation can cause which of the following?

A) decreased production of vitamin D
B) destruction of folate
C) rickets
D) Klinefelter's syndrome
E) decreased production of vitamin C

Question 53

An individual's height is influenced by all the following EXCEPT:

A) prenatal stresses on the womb.
B) nutritional consumption during growth.
C) exposure to ultraviolet light.
D) immunization of childhood diseases.
E) genes.

Question 54

If the replacement theory is correct, then:

A) archaic and modern humans should overlap in time in most locations.
B) individuals within a population would have certain characteristics that would enable them to survive.
C) there would be high genetic variation farther away from Africa.
D) there would be no genetic variation in human populations.
E) archaic and modern humans should not overlap in time in any locations.

Question 55

Mutations are often caused by an environmental agent or spontaneously with no impact on an individual's health. However, without mutations there would be no evolution. Explain.

Question 56

Cultural adaptation to ultraviolet radiation is:

A) vitamin D fortified milk.
B) tanning.
C) dilation of pupils.
D) increased heart rate.
E) sweating.

Question 57

People from the high-altitude highlands of South America develop larger lung capacity in order to process more oxygen; however, if these individuals move to a lower altitude, the size does not reverse because:

A) acclimatization is permanent.
B) advantageous phenotypic traits are genetically determined.
C) this trait is a variation that results from only genetic factors.
D) this is a permanent developmental adaptation.
E) this adaptation changes the individual's DNA.

Question 58

Dark-skinned people are found in equatorial regions because:

A) dark skin protects against heat.
B) those populations are the oldest evolved groups.
C) dark skin is a genetic adaptation to ultraviolet radiation.
D) the skin contains excessive amounts of vitamin D.
E) dark skin confers resistance to malaria.

Question 59

Modern humans became successful at survival as a result of certain biological and societal factors, EXCEPT:

A) genetic diversity.
B) developmental adaption.
C) acclimatization.
D) cultural adaptation.
E) genetic adaption.

Question 60

Changes in the environment due to global warming will:

A) cause massive population growth in animal species.
B) stimulate less frequent extreme weather.
C) result in intense pressures on the human species.
D) dramatically increase rainfall and flooding.
E) cause the sea level to retreat.

Question 61

Describe the relationship between solar radiation, vitamin D, and skin color as examples of adaptation and natural selection.

Question 62

What do we know about the behavior of Neandertals based on archaeological excavations?

Question 63

Summarize how the dramatic increase in intelligence and use of material culture in Homo accelerated with the appearance of Homo sapiens about 350,000 yBP.

Question 64

Identify where Neandertals are located in the human evolutionary chain and how they are similar physically to other modern Homo sapiens.

Question 65

Explain how the peppered moth is a powerful example of natural selection in evolution.

Question 66

What are the five categories in which paleoanthropologists have grouped our immediate ancestors? Briefly define each.

Question 67

Describe the four types of adaptation that have contributed to human survivability.

Question 68

Contrast the two theories on the ultimate fate of the Neandertals.

Question 69

Summarize the process of how sickle-cell anemia is an example of natural selection at work in the human population.