Chapter 10: Earliest Hominins Flashcards
what is a foramen magnum?
hole in the base of the skull where the spinal cord runs through
what is lumbar lordosis?
the natural curve of the lower back (“s” shaped spine)
what about the pelvis could show bipedality?
short/stout in bipeds
what about the femur could show bipedality?
longer, thicker bones
what is the bicondylar angle?
the ankle bone that slants down and inward, only develops in bipeds
what about the foot could show bipedality?
foot arches act as cushions for walking
who was the first hominin?
Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
describe Sahelanthropus Tchadensis
- foramen magnum suggesting bipedality
- chimp sized brain
- flat face
- large brow ridge
how was Orrorin Tugensis bipedal?
the femur suggested bipedality
how was Ardipithecus Kadabba bipedal?
the toe bone suggested bipedality
what is the C/P3 honing complex?
when the canine sharpens against the premolars
which early hominin had the C/P3 honing complex?
Ardipithecus Kadabba
how was Ardipithecus Ramidus bipedal?
skull, foot and pelvis suggested bipedality
what are the 4 potential reasons for bipedality?
- less sun exposure
- carrying
- easier to reach good
- conserving energy
what genus is known as “southern ape” and has a small brain, is bipedal, and lightly built?
Australopithecus
who is the first species in the Australopithecus genus?
Australopithecus Anamensis
which species was Lucy?
Australopithecus Afarensis
which species was Dikika Child?
Australopithecus Afarensis
why was Dikika Child so important?
she helped juvenile discoveries
where are Australopithecines often found?
East, South, Central Africa
what is the meaning of “Dikika”
Selam (meaning peace)
what is a hyoid?
a small bone in the neck used for speech
what species was believed to be bipedal based on footprint discoveries?
Australopithecus Afarensis
what is a sagittal crest?
a ridge of bone on top of the skull
what species did Taung Child belong to?
Australopithecus Africanus
what were the two concepts that Taung Child challenged?
- that humanity originated in Europe/Asia
- that a large brain was required for upright walking
who was the most recent gracile australopith?
A. sediba
what is a diastema?
a gap between the incisors and the canines
what are some characteristics of Australopithicines?
- diastema
- lumbar lordosis
- bipedal
- 1st bipeds
what is robust vs gracile?
robust: heavy/large
gracile: light build
what genus is known as “robust australopiths”?
Parantrhopus
what Paranthropus is known for megadont teeth?
Paranthropus Aethiopicus
what is the nickname for Paranthropus Boisei?
“nutcracker man”
what are some characteristics of Paranthropus?
- large sagittal crests
- bipedal
- robust
who is known for having a flat face and is the alternative to Australopiths?
Kenyanthropus Platyops
