Homo

Question 1

Defining Features of Homo

Answer 1

• Large brain relative to body size
• Bipedal
• Tool manufacture
• Small teeth
• Foramen magnum under skull and short base of skull
• Prominent nose and prominent chin

Question 2

Homo habilis

Answer 2

• 2.4 myo
• Olduvai Gorge, Kenya
• Advanced skull (shape and brain volume)
  Molars and premolars small and narrow
  Long arms
  Different posture to Australopithecines
  TOOL MAKER

Question 3

Homo erectus

Answer 3

• 1.8 myo
• Oldest in Lake Turkana/Lake Rudolph, Kenya
• Large brain
  Prominent brow ridges
  Tool maker
  Postcranial skeleton similar to H.sapiens but more robust
  Upright posture

Question 4

Homo floresiensis (“Hobbit”)

Answer 4

• ~200,000 to 50,000 yo
• Island of Flores, Indonesia
• ONE METRE TALL
  Bipedal
  Small brain case
  Made modern stone tools
  Large face
  Low cranial vault
  Prominent canine pillars

Question 5

Two alternate hypothesis regarding Homo floresiensis.

Answer 5

1. Microcephaly (Tiny Brain)
   - Some propose that the Hobbit form found is simply another form that has microcephaly –> small brain, normal face size and small stature
2. Cretin
   - Others believe the Hobbit is a cretin (person who is physically deformed resulting from disrupted prenatal development due to lack of iodine and subsequent hypothyroidism).

Question 6

Homo neanderthalensis

Answer 6

• 150,000 to 30,000 yo
• Neander Valley, Germany
• Large brain (equal to or larger than H.sapiens)
  Smaller teeth (except incisors)
  Brow ridge slightly larger
  Very large nose
  Very robust (heavy build adapted for cold)
  Made tools
  Possibly had language

Question 7

Homo sapiens

Answer 7

• 300,000 ya to present
• Found everywhere
• Large brain
  Moderate to small brow ridges
  Less prognathic (flatter) face
  Presence of chin
  Smaller Teeth