Defining Humans (12.1) Flashcards
State what Homo Sapiens is
The Latin term for our species
State what the term ‘Homo sapiens’ translates to
‘Wise man’
State what Homo sapiens are today considered
- widespread
- adaptable
- influential
State what Homo sapiens are classified by the Linnaean system as
Animal kingdom member
Within the Primate order, humans belong to the same ____ as great apes
Family
State what family Homo sapiens belong to
Hominidae
State what all hominids lack
A tail
State what all hominids have in common
Skeletal and structural features
What animals are considered Homo sapiens closest living relatives?
Chimpanzees and Bonobos
State when Homo sapiens last shared common ancestor with Chimpanzees and Bonobos existed
6-8 million years ago
Describe hominids
Member of the family hominidae
Provide the name of oldest known ancestor of modern humans
Sahelanthropus
Provide the geographic range of Homo sapiens
Worldwide
Provide the time range of Homo sapien existence
200 000 years ago - present
State where fossil and genetic evidence places the earliest of our species
In Africa
State where the earliest evidence of anatomically modern humans was found in
Omo Kibish in Ethiopia
State how old the fossils from Omo Kibish were
195,000 years old
State what fossils belonging to the genus Homo are considered
Gracile
Describe gracile
Relatively lightweight skeleton and a more upright bipedal stance
State what relationship evidence from DNA and fossils has shown between Homo sapiens, neanderthalensis and denisovans
All three species coexisted and interbred
Describe the trend in cranial capacity structure over time
Capacity increased from 460 cm3 to 1350 cm3
Describe the trend in brow ridge structure over time
Brow ridge decreased in size
Describe the trend in face shape over time
Faces became flatter
Provide a reason supporting the change in brow ridge structure over time
Increasing size of cranium
Describe the trend in chin structure over time
Homo sapiens are the only hominin species to have evolved a chin
Describe the trend in teeth structure over time
Dental arch changed from U-shape to shorter V-shape
Provide a reason supporting the change in teeth structure over time
Changing hominin diet to more softer, cooked foods