Chapter 10: Earliest Hominins

Question 1

what is a foramen magnum?

Answer 1

hole in the base of the skull where the spinal cord runs through

Question 2

what is lumbar lordosis?

Answer 2

the natural curve of the lower back (“s” shaped spine)

Question 3

what about the pelvis could show bipedality?

Answer 3

short/stout in bipeds

Question 4

what about the femur could show bipedality?

Answer 4

longer, thicker bones

Question 5

what is the bicondylar angle?

Answer 5

the ankle bone that slants down and inward, only develops in bipeds

Question 6

what about the foot could show bipedality?

Answer 6

foot arches act as cushions for walking

Question 7

who was the first hominin?

Answer 7

Sahelanthropus Tchadensis

Question 8

describe Sahelanthropus Tchadensis

Answer 8

• foramen magnum suggesting bipedality
• chimp sized brain
• flat face
• large brow ridge

Question 9

how was Orrorin Tugensis bipedal?

Answer 9

the femur suggested bipedality

Question 10

how was Ardipithecus Kadabba bipedal?

Answer 10

the toe bone suggested bipedality

Question 11

what is the C/P3 honing complex?

Answer 11

when the canine sharpens against the premolars

Question 12

which early hominin had the C/P3 honing complex?

Answer 12

Ardipithecus Kadabba

Question 13

how was Ardipithecus Ramidus bipedal?

Answer 13

skull, foot and pelvis suggested bipedality

Question 14

what are the 4 potential reasons for bipedality?

Answer 14

1. less sun exposure
2. carrying
3. easier to reach good
4. conserving energy

Question 15

what genus is known as “southern ape” and has a small brain, is bipedal, and lightly built?

Answer 15

Australopithecus

Question 16

who is the first species in the Australopithecus genus?

Answer 16

Australopithecus Anamensis

Question 17

which species was Lucy?

Answer 17

Australopithecus Afarensis

Question 18

which species was Dikika Child?

Answer 18

Australopithecus Afarensis

Question 19

why was Dikika Child so important?

Answer 19

she helped juvenile discoveries

Question 20

where are Australopithecines often found?

Answer 20

East, South, Central Africa

Question 21

what is the meaning of “Dikika”

Answer 21

Selam (meaning peace)

Question 22

what is a hyoid?

Answer 22

a small bone in the neck used for speech

Question 23

what species was believed to be bipedal based on footprint discoveries?

Answer 23

Australopithecus Afarensis

Question 24

what is a sagittal crest?

Answer 24

a ridge of bone on top of the skull

Question 25

what species did Taung Child belong to?

Answer 25

Australopithecus Africanus

Question 26

what were the two concepts that Taung Child challenged?

Answer 26

1. that humanity originated in Europe/Asia
2. that a large brain was required for upright walking

Question 27

who was the most recent gracile australopith?

Answer 27

A. sediba

Question 28

what is a diastema?

Answer 28

a gap between the incisors and the canines

Question 29

what are some characteristics of Australopithicines?

Answer 29

• diastema
• lumbar lordosis
• bipedal
• 1st bipeds

Question 30

what is robust vs gracile?

Answer 30

robust: heavy/large
gracile: light build

Question 31

what genus is known as “robust australopiths”?

Answer 31

Parantrhopus

Question 32

what Paranthropus is known for megadont teeth?

Answer 32

Paranthropus Aethiopicus

Question 33

what is the nickname for Paranthropus Boisei?

Answer 33

“nutcracker man”

Question 34

what are some characteristics of Paranthropus?

Answer 34

• large sagittal crests
• bipedal
• robust

Question 35

who is known for having a flat face and is the alternative to Australopiths?

Answer 35

Kenyanthropus Platyops