Human evolution

Question 1

is the process of
developing physical and
biological characteristics
over a period of time.

Answer 1

evolution

Question 2

proposed
that the current human race spurred
from a line of primates that evolved
through the “survival of the fittest,”
wherein primitive species competed
with each other for survival

Answer 2

theory of evolution

Question 3

Transition stage: ____
Period of existence: 2.5–1.4 million years ago
Distinct features:
● developed bipedalism or the ability to walk
upright
● brain size was estimated to be 35 percent
larger than the Australopithecus africanus
● had smaller teeth compared to
Australopithecines
● diet included a variety of plants and meat

Answer 3

homo habilis (handy man)

Question 4

an extinct species of
australopithecine which lived from about 3.9–2.9
million years ago in the Pliocene of East Africa. The
first fossils were discovered in the 1930s, but major
fossil finds would not take place until the 1970s.

Answer 4

Australopithecus afarensis

Question 5

Transition stage: ____
Period of existence: 1.9 million years ago
Distinct features:
● further enhanced bipedal activities
● characterized by bigger bodies, strong
muscles at the back of the neck, shallow
forehead, and elongated brain case
● diet included an increased consumption of
meat

Answer 5

homo erectus (upright man)

Question 6

Transition stage: ___
Period of existence: 400,000 years ago to the present
Distinct features:
● average brain capacity of 82 cubic inches
● characterized by a high forehead, small teeth
and jaw, and defined chin
● constructed and used tools for survival
● developed a symbolic communication system

Answer 6

homo sapiens

Question 7

is the
only source of knowledge
in understanding the
lifestyle and developments
that occurred in each
transitional stage of
human evolution.

Answer 7

artifcatual evidence