Ch 11 Becoming Human Flashcards
Homo sapiens
The species name for modern humans.
Taxon (pl. taxa)
A unit of biological classification into which related organisms are classified. Taxa are arranged in a hierarchical rank from kingdom down to species, where members of a specific taxon typically share certain morphological characteristics.
Mammals
Warm-blooded vertebrates belonging to the taxonomic class Mammalia that have mammary glands, hair/fur, three middle ear bones, and one lower jawbone.
Primates
The highest order of mammals, comprised of about 400 different living species who share a number of features including opposable digits and binocular vision.
Hominoids
Members of the superfamily Hominoidea that includes apes and humans.
Hominins
Members of the taxonomic tribe Hominini that includes modern humans and our upright-walking ancestors.
Cranium
The part of the skull that covers the brain.
Prehensile
The ability to grasp objects.
Opposable digit
A digit (either the thumb, big toe, or both) that is able to touch all the other digits on the same appendage.
Precision grip
A type of grip involving the tips of the thumb and finger, used by primates (to varying extents) for precise manipulation of objects of various sizes.
Power grip
A type of grip involving the palm and the fingers, used by primates (to varying extents) for moving and manipulating objects. The power grip generates more force due to the significant use of the palm.
Bipedalism
Using two legs for walking upright.
Genus (pl. genera)
A taxonomic rank above species and below family. Modern humans belong to the genus Homo.
Foramen magnum
The hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. A more centralised foramen magnum indicates bipedal locomotion.
Biped
An individual that moves on two legs (upright-walking).