African Apes & Humans Compared Flashcards
1
Q
Is it true to say that humans evolved from African apes?
A
No, it’s not. The two groups evolved from a common ancestor.
2
Q
What are the anatomical similarities between Apes and humans?
A
- lack external nails
- hands with opposable thumbs
- have fingers and toes with flat nails
- eyes that face forward
- molar and premolars teeth with low and rounded cusps.
3
Q
What are their are their anatomical differences?
A
- skeletal differences
- skull differences
- brain differences
4
Q
What is the main skeletal difference?
A
Habitual bipedalism in humans
5
Q
What are the skeletal differences between apes and humans
A
Apes:
- arms longer than legs
- fingers and toes long and curved
- big toes, divergent
- hip ones large
Humans:
- arms shorter and weaker than legs
- fingers and toes short and straight
- thumbs grasp easily
- shorter, broader pelvis
- longer femurs
- spine curvature, two major curves > thoracic and lumbar
6
Q
How are human brains different from apes?
A
Humans have much a larger brain, especially cerebral cortex
7
Q
What unique qualities is brain responsible for?
A
- tool making
- use and control fire
- use highly developed language
8
Q
What are the skull differences?
A
- Humans don’t have pronounced brow ridges
- Foramen magnum found centrally under skull in humans,apes at rear end of skull
- humans have large brain case, small jaws, nearly vertical face & chin
- canine of teeth of humans are relatively small, apes large and pointed
9
Q
What similarities tell us that humans closely resemble African apes?
A
Physical and genetic similarities.
