Question 1

Based on the evolutionary tree in the figure below, Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo erectus both evolved from Homo habilis.

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The answer of Based on the evolutionary tree in the...

Question 2

For the first time in geological history the actions of a single species, ________________ [scientific name], may be causing a sixth mass extinction.

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The answer of For the first time in geological history...

Question 3

There is extensive fossil evidence that early Homo sapiens interbred with more ancient Homo populations.

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The answer of There is extensive fossil evidence that early...

Question 4

Improved night vision has been an evolutionary trend in primates.

Accepted Answer

Primates generally evolved to have better vision in daylight rather than improved night vision, as many primates are diurnal and rely on color vision for activities during the day.

Question 5

To walk upright, humans first had to evolve larger brains.

Accepted Answer

The ability to walk upright, or bipedalism, actually preceded the evolution of larger brains in humans. Bipedalism may have initially evolved for various reasons, such as efficient long-distance travel or freeing up the hands for tool use. It was then followed by changes in the brain that allowed for increased cognitive and social abilities.

Question 6

During the last 75,000 years human brain size appears to have decreased slightly.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that over the last 75,000 years, the average human brain size has decreased slightly, possibly due to changes in lifestyle, social structures, and environmental adaptations.

Question 7

Scientists suggest that the differences that currently exist between different populations of humans (for instance, between the people in Africa and the people in China) may be much less obvious in future human populations. Why?

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The answer of Scientists suggest that the differences that currently...

Question 8

All regions of our DNA are closer to the DNA of chimpanzees than to the DNA of gorillas.

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The answer of All regions of our DNA are closer...

Question 9

Humans became bipedal as a result of switching from life in the trees to life on the ground

Accepted Answer

The transition from life in the trees to life on the ground is believed to have played a major role in the development of bipedalism in humans. This allowed our ancestors to better navigate the open savannah and hunt for food.

Question 10

All primates are hominids and all hominids are primates.

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The answer of All primates are hominids and all hominids...

Question 11

When comparing different species, brain size relative to body size provides a rough estimate of _______.

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The answer of When comparing different species, brain size relative...

Question 12

Humans are animals, classified as members of the ________ phylum, the mammal class, the primate order, and the hominid family.

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The answer of Humans are animals, classified as members of...

Question 13

Homo is the genus name for more than one species of primate.

Accepted Answer

Homo is the genus name for several species of primates, including Homo sapiens (modern humans) and extinct species such as Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis.

Question 14

There is no evidence that genetic drift has ever played a role in causing genetic differences among human populations.

Accepted Answer

There is ample evidence that genetic drift has played a role in causing genetic differences among human populations. For example, founder effects and population bottlenecks can lead to genetic drift, and these events have occurred at various points in human history as populations migrated and expanded into new areas. Additionally, genetic drift has been observed in isolated populations such as island communities or certain religious groups that practice endogamy.

Question 15

By about a half million years ago, our human ancestors were probably hunting large game and using fire.

Accepted Answer

Archaeological evidence indicates that by this time, early Homo species had developed more efficient hunting tools and were consuming more meat. They were also using fire for warmth, cooking, and possibly for protection from predators.

Question 16

The _______ hypothesis of human origins suggests that modern humans evolved from H. erectus populations located throughout the world.

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The answer of The _______ hypothesis of human origins suggests...

Question 17

Humans evolved tool use before they became bipedal.

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The answer of Humans evolved tool use before they became...

Question 18

Living humans evolved from ape ancestors without intermediate steps.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Evolution is a gradual and continuous process that occurs over many generations, and there were many intermediate steps between our ape ancestors and modern humans. Fossil evidence, genetic analysis, and comparative anatomy all support the idea of gradual evolution over time.

Question 19

Human actions lead to evolution in other organisms.

Accepted Answer

Human actions such as hunting, habitat destruction, and introduction of non-native species can all lead to evolutionary changes in other organisms by altering the selection pressures they face in their environment.

Question 20

The big toe is opposable in all primates.

Accepted Answer

The big toe is only opposable in some primates such as humans, great apes and some species of tree-dwelling monkeys. It is not opposable in all primates.

Quiz 42: Humans and Evolution