Question 1

What did Rosenberg and Trevathan discover in their study comparing human and nonhuman primate birth?

Accepted Answer

Rosenberg and Trevathan discovered that the infant nonhuman primate's head is oriented sideways during birth, unlike the human infant's head.

Question 2

What are the differences between Homo habilis and Homo erectus?

Accepted Answer

Homo erectus is known for having a more modern body plan and a reduction in the size of the face relative to the brain case compared to earlier hominins, including Homo habilis. Homo habilis, on the other hand, had a larger face relative to its brain case and did not have as modern a body plan as Homo erectus. Additionally, Homo erectus generally had a larger brain capacity than Homo habilis, not smaller.

Question 3

Nonhuman primates have smaller brains,and humans have large brains and advanced technology. How does the birthing process differ?

Accepted Answer

Nonhuman primates generally experience a shorter and less painful birthing process compared to humans. This is largely due to the smaller size of their offspring's head and the wider birth canal in nonhuman primates, which facilitates a smoother delivery. In contrast, the larger brain size of human infants and the narrow structure of the human pelvis make childbirth more challenging and painful for humans.

Question 4

To what are greater body size and facial gracility documented in Homo erectus likely related?

Accepted Answer

Greater body size and facial gracility in Homo erectus are likely related to changes in technology, as these changes would have allowed for more efficient food acquisition and processing, leading to increased body size, and for more complex social interactions, leading to reduced facial gracility.

Question 5

Homo erectus was likely the first hominid to successfully migrate to regions beyond Africa.Discuss how the biology and culture of Homo erectus led to its success on three major continents with varying environments.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Homo erectus was likely the first hominid...

Question 6

Discuss the fossil evidence of Homo habilis and describe the anatomical and behavioral traits of Homo habilis that introduce the evolution of Homo sapiens.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the fossil evidence of Homo habilis...

Question 7

Describe Homo erectus's cranial and postcranial anatomical characteristics.How is this species significantly different from earlier hominids,and how did these characteristics increase the success of this species over that of their ancestors?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe Homo erectus's cranial and postcranial anatomical...

Question 8

What do all fossils represent?

Accepted Answer

Fossils represent transitions between different organisms or species over time.

Question 9

What was an effect of the controlled use of fire by hominids?

Accepted Answer

The controlled use of fire by hominids contributed to geographical expansion and increased food availability. Fire allowed hominids to cook their food, making it easier to digest and increasing the variety of foods they could consume. Additionally, fire provided warmth and protection from predators, allowing hominids to occupy new environments and expand their range.

Question 10

Contrast the cranial and dental anatomy and adaptation of Australopithecus robustus with African Homo erectus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contrast the cranial and dental anatomy and...

Question 11

An argument against the validity of evolutionary theory says that there are too few transitional forms representing the gap between any two living species that supposedly share a common ancestor.How do the human evolutionary record and this criticism relate?

Accepted Answer

The human fossil record contains several species that are considered as transitional forms, such as Australopithecus and Homo erectus, that show clear anatomical changes and share features with both apes and modern humans. Therefore, the criticism that there are too few transitional forms does not apply to the human evolutionary record. Choice A is incorrect because the lack of transitional fossils in general is not relevant to the validity of evolutionary theory. Choice B is incorrect because punctuated equilibrium is not an alternative theory to evolution, but rather a refinement of the understanding of how evolution operates. Choice D is incorrect because the fossil record is one of several sources of evidence for evolution, and new discoveries may fill in gaps in the transitional forms between species over time.

Question 12

What does the recent discovery of a ca.700,000 yBP hominin at Mata Menge,Indonesia,tell us?

Accepted Answer

The discovery of a relatively large-bodied hominin in Indonesia at around 700,000 years ago challenges our current understanding of the early evolution of Homo. It also suggests that there may be many more unexpected discoveries in the future, both at the early and later ends of the hominin evolutionary timeline. This highlights the need to keep an open mind and be prepared for unexpected findings in future research.

Quiz 11: The Origins and Evolution of Early Homo