Exam - 26/8/2024 Flashcards
What application do molecular clocks have within fossil records?
Gentetic date , species divergence, broader evolutionary
Timeline
What are the anatomical adaptations associated with language?
Shape of hyoid bone (tongue bone)
Structure of bony ear
Length of relevant structure in upper throat
Longer oral cavity and much lower larynx in the humans.
What tools are associated with Homo sapiens?
Homo sapiens not only made and used stone tools, they also specialized them and made a variety of smaller, more complex, refined and specialized tools including composite stone tools, fishhooks and harpoons, bows and arrows, spear throwers and sewing needles.
Explain the Out of Africa & Out of Africa II (multiregional hypothesis) hypotheses.
- Modern Homo sapiens (i.e anatomically modern humans) first evolved in Africa c. 200 kya.
- Proposes that all modern humans share a common African lineage; single population that emerged in Africa as direct ancestors.
- Following emergence of modern H. sapiens, a series of migrations occurred, leading to colonization of other parts of the world.
Out of Africa 2
- Modern humans did not solely originate in Africa;
- Evolved from earlier hominin populations in multiple regions.
- Different populations of archaic humans (i.e H. erectus) evolved independently in various regions and gradually developed into modern humans over time.
What joint adaptations are thought to be for shifting from arboreal to terrestrial?
- Joint Stability and Flexibility: Arboreal animals often have highly flexible joints to navigate complex tree environments. When shifting to terrestrial life, there’s a need for more stable joints to support weight-bearing and locomotion on the ground.
- Limb Proportions: Arboreal species typically have longer limbs relative to their body size, which aids in climbing and reaching. Terrestrial species often evolve shorter, sturdier limbs to support their body weight and facilitate efficient ground movement.
- Joint Angles and Posture: Arboreal animals usually have more pronounced joint angles, such as bent elbows and knees, to maintain balance on branches. Terrestrial animals tend to have straighter limbs to provide better support and propulsion on flat surfaces.
- Grasping Extremities: Arboreal animals have adaptations like grasping hands and feet to hold onto branches. Terrestrial animals may lose some of these features in favor of structures that support walking and running.
What is the difference between monkeys and apes/anthropoids?
Almost all monkeys have tails while apes do not
Monkeys have smaller brains, Narrower chests
Apes can walk on two legs, monkeys walk mostly on four limbs.
How did climate influence hominin evolution? Include relevant hypotheses.
Hypotheses linking climate change and hominin evolution are based on indications that large-scale shifts in climate or climate variability altered the landscape ecology which, in turn, presented specific adaptive or speciation pressures that led to genetic selection and innovation.
Explain the difference between the term Hominin and Hominid
Hominin is a member of the subfamily Homininae, which includes humans and extinct close relatives.
Hominid is a member of the family Hominidae (great apes) and includes all apes and hominins (primates).
What can dental analysis provide insight into? What techniques can you use?
To indicate what diet - Isotope analysis - Carbon isotope testing
What is inclusive fitness and how is this evolutionarily beneficial?
Inclusove fitness is a theory in which a organisms genetic success is belived to be derived from cooperation and altruistic behavior.
Identify and describe the main species concept used in hominin fossil analysis.
Fossil hominins: analysis and interpretation’ explains the workings of classification and taxonomy. It describes how whole fossils can be reconstructed from fragments
What species of Homo is believed to be the oldest?
Homo habilis
What were the main drivers of the development of agriculture? Include any relevant hypotheses.
Climate Change: The end of the last Ice Age around 11,700 years ago led to more stable and warmer climates, which made it easier to grow crops and domesticate animals.
Population Pressure: As human populations grew, there was a greater need for reliable food sources. Agriculture provided a more stable and predictable food supply compared to hunting and gathering.
Economic Opportunities: The potential for surplus production allowed for trade and the development of more complex societies. This economic incentive encouraged the adoption of agricultural practices.
Technological Innovations: The development of tools and techniques for farming, such as irrigation, plowing, and crop rotation, made agriculture more efficient and productive.
Social and Cultural Factors: The establishment of permanent settlements and the development of social structures and cultural practices around farming communities also played a significant role.
What is genetic variation?
Genetic variation refers to differences in the genetic makeup of individuals in a population
How does Sexual reproduction influence variation?
Sexual reproduction results in infinite possibilities of genetic variation.
