In 2003, scientists announced the 1997 discovery in an Ethiopian valley of three anatomically modern skulls-two adults and a child. Known collectively as the Herto skulls, the researchers dated them to 154,000-160,000 B.P. All of the following clues suggested that these skulls in fact were of anatomically modern humans, EXCEPT
A) their long and broad midfaces.
B) their tall and narrow sagittal crests.
C) their high cranial vaults, falling within modern dimensions.
D) their tall and narrow nasal bones.
E) evidence of the skulls' cutting and handling, suggesting they had been detached from their bodies and used-perhaps ritually-after death.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of tall and narrow sagittal crests is a characteristic of non-modern (archaic) human species such as Neanderthals, and is not a feature of anatomically modern humans. Therefore, the presence of tall and narrow sagittal crests would suggest that the skulls were not of anatomically modern humans. However, all of the other features listed are characteristic of anatomically modern humans, suggesting that the Herto skulls were in fact of this species.

In 2003, Scientists Announced the 1997 Discovery in an Ethiopian