Chapter 11 - Becoming human

Question 1

Homo sapiens

Answer 1

the species name for modern humans

Question 2

taxon (pl. taxa)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

mammals

Answer 3

warm-blooded vertebrates belonging to the taxonomic class Mammalia that have mammary glands, hair/fur, three middle ear bones, and one lower jawbone

Question 4

primates

Answer 4

the highest order of mammals, comprised of about 400 different living species who share a number of features including opposable digits and binocular vision

Question 5

hominoids

Answer 5

members of the superfamily Hominoidea that includes apes and humans

Question 6

hominins 

Answer 6

members of the taxonomic tribe Hominini that includes modern humans and our upright-walking ancestors

Question 7

cranium 

Answer 7

the part of the skull that covers the brain

Question 8

prehensile

Answer 8

the ability to grasp objects

Question 9

opposable digit

Answer 9

a digit (either the thumb, big toe, or both) that is able to touch all the other digits on the same appendage

Question 10

precision grip 

Answer 10

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

Question 11

power grip

Answer 11

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

Question 12

bipedalism

Answer 12

using two legs for walking upright

Question 13

canine teeth

Answer 13

a type of tooth in mammals that is relatively long and pointed

Question 14

foramen magnum

Answer 14

the hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. A more centralised foramen magnum indicates bipedal locomotion

Question 15

brow ridge

Answer 15

a bony ridge above the eye sockets. It is found in all primates, but is greatly reduced in Homo sapiens

Question 16

sagittal crest

Answer 16

a ridge of hard bone running lengthwise (front to back) along the top of the skull. A pronounced sagittal crest indicates strong jaw muscles

Question 17

femur angle

Answer 17

the angle between the top and bottom of the femur when standing. It is greater in hominins when compared to other primates

Question 18

genus (pl. genera)

Answer 18

a taxonomic rank above species and below family. Modern humans belong to the genus Homo

Question 19

foramen magnum

Answer 19

the hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. A more
centralised foramen magnum indicates bipedal locomotion

Question 20

biped

Answer 20

an individual that moves on two legs (upright-walking)

Question 21

arboreal

Answer 21

living in or amongst trees

Question 22

cerebrum

Answer 22

the largest part of the brain, which comprises two-thirds of the brain’s entire weight and is responsible for a large range of vital functions including sensory processing, motor control, and visual and spatial learning

Question 23

sagittal crest

Answer 23

a ridge of hard bone running lengthwise (front to back) along the top of the skull. A pronounced sagittal crest indicates strong jaw muscles

Question 24

arm to leg ratio

Answer 24

the ratio of arm length to leg length. Tree-dwelling
hominids have longer arms and shorter legs, or a larger arm to leg ratio

Question 25

inference

Answer 25

conclusions or assumptions reached by analysing and extrapolating from evidence

Question 26

transitional fossil 

Answer 26

a fossil that shows traits that are common to both its ancestral group and its descendant group. They are particularly important when the descendant species is physically very distinct from the ancestral species, such that the transitional fossil can help demonstrate evolutionary changes between the two

Question 27

interbreeding

Answer 27

refers to the mating between different species (e.g. between Homo sapiens and other closely related species such as Neanderthals and Denisovans). Also known as crossbreeding

Question 28

multiregional hypothesis

Answer 28

a model for the geographical spread of Homo sapiens which suggests that separate human populations evolved independently from earlier hominins that had spread throughout Eurasia and experienced gene flow. Also known as the regional continuity model

Question 29

Out of Africa hypothesis

Answer 29

a model for the geographical spread of Homo sapiens which suggests that humans first developed and evolved in Africa before migrating outwards and expanding their colonies, replacing the earlier hominins that had spread prior. Also known as the African replacement model

Question 30

emigration

Answer 30

leaving one place to settle permanently in another

Question 31

morphological clades

Answer 31

combinations of various physical characteristics that are unique to particular geographical regions across a wide timespan

Question 32

Connection to Country

Answer 32

a reciprocal relationship between First Nations people and their ancestral lands and seas

Question 33

Country

Answer 33

an area that is traditionally owned and looked after by an Aboriginal language group or community, or by certain people within that group. The term may indicate more than simply a geographical area – it is also a concept that can encompass the spiritual meaning and feelings of deep connection and attachment associated with that area

Question 34

Dreaming

Answer 34

an Aboriginal philosophy that describes the time when Ancestral Spirits (Dreaming Beings) moved over the land and created life and important geographical sites. It explains the origins of the universe, as well as the relationships between humans, animals, and the land on which they live. The Dreaming is passed down through generations and governs familial, relational, communal and spiritual obligations for Aboriginal Australians. Also known as The Dreamtime

Question 35

totem

Answer 35

emblems or symbols that represent the spiritual connection (Dreaming) between Aboriginal people and Country. Totems can take a range of different forms, such as animals, plants, and landscapes

Question 36

totemic relationships

Answer 36

shared kinship between specific totems and the family, clan, individual and/or language group

Question 37

moieties 

Answer 37

a two way division of society into maternal and paternal groups