What makes Ardipithecus ramidus unique?
A) It combined apelike dentition with bipedalism.
B) It had the modified pelvis and flattened face seen in much later hominin species.
C) It was massive, with body sizes much larger than a modern gorilla.
D) It was neither bipedal nor big-brained, but used tools.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ardipithecus ramidus is unique because it combined apelike dentition with bipedalism. This means that it had teeth that were more similar to those of apes, but was still able to walk on two legs like modern humans. This combination of traits was not seen in any other hominin species.

Answer: B 
 While Ardipithecus ramidus did not have the large brain size seen in later hominin species, it did have a modified pelvis and flattened face that are also seen in these later species. This makes it unique in that it shows some similarities to later hominins while still retaining other more primitive traits.

Answer: C 
 This statement is not true. Ardipithecus ramidus was not massive and did not have body sizes much larger than a modern gorilla. In fact, it was much smaller than gorillas and other great apes.

Answer: D 
 This statement is not true. There is no evidence that Ardipithecus ramidus used tools, and in fact, it lived long before the first known use of tools by early hominins.

What Makes Ardipithecus Ramidus Unique