Bio Anth Exam 3 Flashcard text
What is the Pliocene epoch?
The Pliocene epoch is a geological time period that lasted from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago.
True or False: The Pliocene is known for significant climatic changes.
True
Which hominin species is widely recognized from the Pliocene?
Australopithecus
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene is the _____ epoch in the Cenozoic era.
third
What major development in hominin evolution occurred during the Pliocene?
The development of bipedalism.
What is the significance of the Laetoli footprints?
They provide evidence of early bipedalism in hominins.
Multiple choice: Which of the following hominins lived during the Pliocene? A) Homo sapiens B) Homo habilis C) Australopithecus afarensis D) Neanderthals
C) Australopithecus afarensis
What major environmental change influenced hominin evolution during the Pliocene?
The expansion of grasslands and savannas.
True or False: The Pliocene saw the first appearance of the genus Homo.
False
What is the main characteristic of Australopithecus species?
They exhibited both bipedal locomotion and adaptations for climbing.
Fill in the blank: The genus _____ includes several species of early hominins from the Pliocene.
Australopithecus
What does the term ‘hominin’ refer to?
Hominins refer to the group that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.
Multiple choice: Which species is known as ‘Lucy’? A) Australopithecus afarensis B) Homo erectus C) Paranthropus boisei D) Sahelanthropus tchadensis
A) Australopithecus afarensis
What type of tools were likely used by early hominins during the Pliocene?
Simple stone tools.
True or False: The Pliocene is characterized by the dominance of tropical forests.
False
What is one of the key adaptations of hominins that emerged during the Pliocene?
Increased brain size relative to body size.
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene epoch is preceded by the _____ epoch.
Miocene
Which hominin species is known for its robust cranial features?
Paranthropus
True or False: Hominins of the Pliocene were primarily tree-dwelling.
False
What evidence do scientists use to study Pliocene hominins?
Fossil records and archaeological sites.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Pliocene hominins? A) Bipedalism B) Large canines C) Tool use D) Increased brain size
B) Large canines
What is the estimated time frame for the emergence of the genus Homo?
Around 2.8 million years ago, towards the end of the Pliocene.
Fill in the blank: The _____ environment during the Pliocene led to the diversification of many species.
changing
What does the term ‘bipedalism’ mean?
The ability to walk on two legs.
True or False: The Pliocene was a time of warm climates globally.
False
What role did climate play in the evolution of hominins during the Pliocene?
It influenced their migration patterns and adaptation strategies.
Multiple choice: Which hominin is known for having a smaller brain size compared to modern humans? A) Homo sapiens B) Homo neanderthalensis C) Australopithecus D) Homo habilis
C) Australopithecus
What is the significance of the fossils found in East Africa?
They provide crucial evidence for understanding human evolution.
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene epoch is part of the _____ era.
Cenozoic
What adaptations did hominins develop in response to environmental changes during the Pliocene?
Changes in diet and social behavior.
True or False: The Pliocene epoch ended with a significant ice age.
True
Which hominin is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism?
Paranthropus
What is the main diet of Australopithecus?
They were likely omnivorous, consuming plants and small animals.
Multiple choice: Which of the following tools is associated with early hominins? A) Bronze tools B) Stone tools C) Iron tools D) Plastic tools
B) Stone tools
Fill in the blank: The study of ancient hominins is called _____ anthropology.
paleo
What is one of the main questions researchers seek to answer about Pliocene hominins?
How did environmental changes influence their evolution?
True or False: All hominins from the Pliocene were direct ancestors of modern humans.
False
Which Pliocene hominin is known for its adaptations to a herbivorous diet?
Paranthropus boisei
What is the significance of the fossil site at Hadar, Ethiopia?
It has yielded numerous Australopithecus fossils, providing insight into early hominin life.
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene epoch is significant for the evolution of _____ traits in hominins.
bipedal
What does the term ‘mosaic evolution’ refer to in the context of Pliocene hominins?
The concept that different traits evolved at different rates and times.
What is the Pleistocene epoch known for?
The Pleistocene epoch is known for its repeated glacial cycles and the emergence of early hominins.
True or False: The Pleistocene epoch lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
True
Name one significant hominin species that lived during the Pleistocene.
Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals)
Fill in the blank: The genus ____ includes modern humans and their closest relatives.
Homo
What was the primary habitat of Pleistocene hominins?
Pleistocene hominins primarily inhabited a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and tundra.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following was NOT a Pleistocene hominin? A) Homo habilis B) Homo erectus C) Homo sapiens D) Australopithecus afarensis
D) Australopithecus afarensis
What adaptation is commonly associated with Pleistocene hominins?
Increased brain size and the use of tools.
True or False: Neanderthals were the only hominins living during the Pleistocene.
False
What is the significance of the Oldowan tool tradition?
The Oldowan tool tradition represents some of the earliest known stone tools used by hominins.
Fill in the blank: The species Homo ____ is often referred to as ‘modern humans.’
sapiens
Multiple Choice: Which hominin species is known for its robust physique and large brow ridges? A) Homo sapiens B) Homo neanderthalensis C) Homo habilis D) Homo erectus
B) Homo neanderthalensis
What major climatic event characterized the Pleistocene?
The Ice Ages, marked by significant glaciation.
True or False: Homo erectus is believed to have been the first hominin to control fire.
True
What does the term ‘hominin’ refer to?
Hominin refers to the group that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.
Fill in the blank: The Late Pleistocene saw the emergence of ____ alongside Neanderthals.
Homo sapiens
Multiple Choice: Which tool culture is associated with Neanderthals? A) Mousterian B) Acheulean C) Oldowan D) Solutrean
A) Mousterian
What is the primary evidence used to study Pleistocene hominins?
Fossil remains and archaeological artifacts.
True or False: The Pleistocene epoch ended with the onset of the Holocene epoch.
True
What was a common diet for Pleistocene hominins?
A varied diet that included meat, fruits, nuts, and tubers.
Fill in the blank: The Neanderthals were primarily located in ____ regions of Europe and Asia.
cold
Multiple Choice: Which hominin is known for having a more advanced tool-making capability? A) Homo habilis B) Homo erectus C) Homo neanderthalensis D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of the Upper Paleolithic period?
It is characterized by advanced tool technology and the emergence of artistic expression among Homo sapiens.
True or False: Pleistocene hominins lived in permanent settlements.
False
What is the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans?
Neanderthals and modern humans share a common ancestor and interbred at various points in history.
Fill in the blank: The use of ____ was a major technological advancement during the Pleistocene.
fire
Multiple Choice: Which hominin species is known for its large brain size relative to body size? A) Homo sapiens B) Homo neanderthalensis C) Homo habilis D) Both A and B
D) Both A and B
What is the term for the study of ancient human and hominin remains?
Paleoanthropology
True or False: Homo naledi is a recently discovered hominin species that lived during the Pleistocene.
False
Fill in the blank: The ____ tool tradition is associated with the earliest Homo species.
Oldowan
What role did climate change play in the evolution of Pleistocene hominins?
Climate change influenced migration patterns, resource availability, and adaptation strategies.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Neanderthals? A) Slender build B) Prominent brow ridges C) Small brain size D) Bipedalism
B) Prominent brow ridges
What is the significance of the La Chapelle-aux-Saints skeleton?
It is one of the most complete Neanderthal skeletons ever found, providing insights into Neanderthal anatomy and burial practices.
True or False: Homo sapiens are the only surviving hominin species today.
True
Fill in the blank: The Pleistocene epoch is often referred to as the ____ Age.
Ice
What does the term ‘morphology’ refer to in the context of hominins?
Morphology refers to the physical structure and form of hominin bodies.
Multiple Choice: Which hominin is associated with the development of the Acheulean tool culture? A) Homo neanderthalensis B) Homo erectus C) Homo sapiens D) Homo habilis
B) Homo erectus
What evidence suggests that Neanderthals may have had a complex social structure?
Burial practices and care for injured individuals indicate social bonds and cooperation.
True or False: Pleistocene hominins exclusively used stone tools.
False
What is the significance of the fossil record in understanding Pleistocene hominins?
The fossil record provides crucial information about the physical characteristics, behaviors, and evolution of hominins.
Fill in the blank: The study of ancient climates and environments is known as ____ science.
paleoenvironmental
Multiple Choice: Which hominin is known for having a smaller cranial capacity than modern humans? A) Homo erectus B) Homo neanderthalensis C) Homo habilis D) Both A and C
D) Both A and C
What role did tools play in the survival of Pleistocene hominins?
Tools were essential for hunting, gathering, and processing food.
True or False: All Pleistocene hominins are believed to have lived in Africa.
False
What is the scientific name for anatomically modern humans?
Homo sapiens
True or False: Homo sapiens first appeared in Africa.
True
Fill in the blank: The period during which anatomically modern humans began to appear is known as the _____ period.
Pleistocene
What are the key physical characteristics of anatomically modern humans?
Larger brain size, rounded skull, smaller brow ridges, and a more pronounced chin.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a significant trait of Homo sapiens? A) Flat skull B) Large brow ridges C) Vertical forehead D) Protruding jaw
C) Vertical forehead
What evidence supports the theory that Homo sapiens originated in Africa?
Fossil records and genetic studies indicate a common ancestry in Africa.
True or False: Anatomically modern humans coexisted with Neanderthals.
True
Fill in the blank: The migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa is often referred to as the _____ migration.
Out of Africa
What is one method scientists use to study the rise of anatomically modern humans?
DNA analysis of ancient remains.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following species is considered a direct ancestor of Homo sapiens? A) Homo neanderthalensis B) Homo habilis C) Homo erectus D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What cultural development is associated with the rise of anatomically modern humans?
The creation of complex tools and art.
True or False: Homo sapiens were the first hominins to use fire.
False
Fill in the blank: The period characterized by the development of agriculture is known as the _____ revolution.
Neolithic
What role did climate change play in the rise of anatomically modern humans?
Climate change affected migration patterns and the availability of resources.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following tools is attributed to early Homo sapiens? A) Acheulean tools B) Clovis points C) Mousterian tools D) All of the above
B) Clovis points
What is the significance of the fossil site at Omo in Ethiopia?
It contains some of the oldest known fossils of anatomically modern humans.
True or False: Homo sapiens are the only surviving species of the genus Homo.
True
Fill in the blank: The study of human evolutionary history is known as _____ anthropology.
Paleo
What is one major difference between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans?
Neanderthals had a robust build and larger brow ridges.
Multiple Choice: Which technology is associated with the Upper Paleolithic period? A) Fire B) Microliths C) Hand axes D) All of the above
B) Microliths
What is the significance of cave art in relation to anatomically modern humans?
It indicates advanced cognitive abilities and cultural expression.
True or False: The Neolithic Revolution marked a shift from hunting-gathering to agriculture.
True
Fill in the blank: The use of _____ tools was a hallmark of early human innovation.
Stone
What is the relationship between Homo sapiens and Denisovans?
Denisovans are a distinct group that shares a common ancestor with Homo sapiens.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a theory about the extinction of Neanderthals? A) Climate change B) Competition with Homo sapiens C) Disease D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is one reason genetic diversity is important in understanding human evolution?
It helps trace migration and adaptation patterns of early humans.
True or False: Modern humans possess the same level of genetic diversity as Neanderthals.
False
Fill in the blank: The first known Homo sapiens fossils were discovered in _____ Valley.
Omo
What is the significance of the site of Blombos Cave in South Africa?
It provides evidence of early symbolic behavior and tool use.
Multiple Choice: Which hominin is known for creating the first known artwork? A) Neanderthals B) Homo habilis C) Homo sapiens D) Australopithecus
C) Homo sapiens
What role did social structures play in the success of anatomically modern humans?
Complex social structures facilitated cooperation and resource sharing.
True or False: The transition to agriculture led to a decrease in population density.
False
Fill in the blank: The _____ hypothesis suggests that modern humans replaced Neanderthals without interbreeding.
Replacement
What is the impact of the discovery of ancient DNA on our understanding of human evolution?
It has provided insights into interbreeding and migration patterns.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the lifestyle of early Homo sapiens? A) Nomadic B) Sedentary C) Agricultural D) Urban
A) Nomadic
What is one hypothesis about the cognitive abilities of anatomically modern humans?
They had advanced language skills that facilitated communication.
True or False: Anatomically modern humans were the first to create burial sites.
True
Fill in the blank: The _____ tool industry is associated with Neanderthals.
Mousterian
What is one way that anatomically modern humans adapted to different environments?
By developing diverse tools and hunting strategies.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Homo sapiens? A) Bipedalism B) Large brain size C) Long arms D) Small teeth
C) Long arms
What does the term ‘cognitive revolution’ refer to in the context of anatomically modern humans?
The emergence of complex thought and symbolic behavior.
True or False: Homo sapiens are known for their ability to adapt to various climates.
True
Fill in the blank: The first Homo sapiens fossils are estimated to be around _____ years old.
300,000
What is biocultural diversity?
The interplay between biological diversity and cultural diversity.
True or False: Biocultural diversity includes only the biological aspects of human life.
False
Fill in the blank: Human adaptation can be classified into ______ and cultural adaptations.
biological
What are the two main components of human adaptation?
Biological adaptation and cultural adaptation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of cultural adaptation? A) Developing resistance to disease B) Learning to use tools C) Changes in skin color
B) Learning to use tools
What role does language play in biocultural diversity?
Language is a key component of cultural identity and communication, influencing how cultures interact with their environments.
True or False: All human populations adapt to their environments in the same way.
False
What is the significance of traditional ecological knowledge?
It represents the accumulated knowledge of local communities about their environment and sustainable practices.
Fill in the blank: _______ refers to the genetic variation within human populations.
Genetic diversity
Multiple Choice: Which factor is NOT a contributor to biocultural diversity? A) Climate change B) Globalization C) Technological advancement D) Uniformity
D) Uniformity
What is cultural resilience?
The ability of a culture to adapt and thrive despite external pressures and changes.
True or False: Biocultural diversity can enhance ecosystem services.
True
What is the relationship between biodiversity and cultural practices?
Cultural practices often depend on and shape the biodiversity of a region.
Fill in the blank: The _______ hypothesis suggests that cultural evolution can influence biological evolution.
gene-culture coevolution
What is an example of a biological adaptation in humans?
Lactose tolerance in populations that historically practiced dairy farming.
Multiple Choice: Which of these is a factor that threatens biocultural diversity? A) Urbanization B) Cultural preservation C) Indigenous rights D) Environmental conservation
A) Urbanization
What is the concept of ‘cultural landscape’?
A geographical area that includes cultural and natural resources and reflects the interactions between people and their environment.
True or False: Biocultural diversity is static and does not change over time.
False
Fill in the blank: _______ is the practice of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science.
Adaptive management
What is the impact of globalization on biocultural diversity?
Globalization can lead to the erosion of local cultures and biodiversity.
Multiple Choice: What does the term ‘ethnobotany’ refer to? A) Study of ethnic groups B) Study of plant use in cultures C) Study of human biology D) Study of ancient artifacts
B) Study of plant use in cultures
What are the primary threats to biocultural diversity?
Habitat destruction, climate change, globalization, and loss of traditional knowledge.
True or False: Cultural practices can influence genetic selection in human populations.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ diversity is crucial for the survival of cultural practices related to agriculture.
Agricultural
What is the role of indigenous peoples in conserving biocultural diversity?
Indigenous peoples often possess extensive knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainable practices.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biocultural diversity? A) Enhanced ecosystem resilience B) Increased cultural homogenization C) Preservation of traditional knowledge D) Improved food security
B) Increased cultural homogenization
What does ‘cultural appropriation’ mean in the context of biocultural diversity?
The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and in a way that commodifies or misrepresents the original culture.
True or False: Biocultural diversity can contribute to mental health and well-being.
True
Fill in the blank: The _______ framework examines the relationship between culture, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
biocultural
What is the significance of the Convention on Biological Diversity?
It is an international treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity and promoting sustainable use of its components.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a cultural adaptation to climate change? A) Migration B) Technological innovation C) Traditional farming practices D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the effect of language extinction on biocultural diversity?
Language extinction can lead to the loss of cultural knowledge and practices, diminishing biocultural diversity.
True or False: Cultural identity can influence health outcomes in populations.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Biodiversity
What is the role of food systems in biocultural diversity?
Food systems reflect cultural practices and biodiversity, shaping diets and agricultural methods.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common method used to document traditional ecological knowledge? A) Scientific journals B) Oral histories C) Government reports D) Social media
B) Oral histories
What is the concept of ‘cultural identity’?
The sense of belonging to a particular culture, shaped by shared language, traditions, and values.
True or False: All cultures adapt to environmental challenges in the same way.
False
Fill in the blank: _______ adaptation refers to changes in human biology in response to environmental pressures.
Biological
What is the significance of community-based conservation?
It empowers local communities to manage and protect their natural resources, promoting both biodiversity and cultural practices.
Multiple Choice: What is an example of a biocultural practice? A) Industrial agriculture B) Traditional herbal medicine C) Urban gardening D) Fast food consumption
B) Traditional herbal medicine
What does the term ‘cultural landscape’ imply about human interaction with the environment?
It implies that human cultures shape and are shaped by the landscapes they inhabit.
True or False: Biocultural diversity is important for sustainable development.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ is the process of integrating local knowledge with scientific research.
Participatory research
