Human Evolution

Question 1

define evolution

Answer 1

a slow and continuous process whereby complex forms of life have emerged from simpler forms through millions of years

Question 2

define vestigial organs

Answer 2

those organs that have ceased to be of any use to the possessor but still persist generation after generation in a reduced form
ex: wisdom teeth, vermiform appendix, pinna

Question 3

Lamarck’s theory of inheritance of acquired characters

Answer 3

1. use and disuse
2. inheritance of acquired characters

Question 4

facts of “theory of natural selection”

Answer 4

1. overproduction
2. struggle for existence
3. variation
4. survival of the fittest

Question 5

struggle for existence

Answer 5

individuals multiply in a geometric ratio whereas space and food remain almost constant
competition may be intraspecific or interspecific

Question 6

variation in Darwinism

Answer 6

struggle for existence among organisms has compelled them to adapt themselves according to the conditions so that they can utilize natural resources and survive successfully . this causes differences
without variation, no evolution

Question 7

define speciation

Answer 7

origin of new species by gradual modification

Question 8

homo sapiens/ modern man belongs to which order

Answer 8

Primates, along with monkeys and apes

Question 9

changes required for going from ape-like form to human form

Answer 9

1. bipedal locomotion and freeing forelimbs from ground
2. increase in crainial capacity
3. reduction in size of canines due to omnivorous feeding habits
4. loss of jaw power
5. development of chin
6. increase in heigh
7. erect posture by development of lumbar curve

Question 10

different stages of human ancestors during evolution

Answer 10

1. ramapithecus
2. australopithecus
3. homo habilis
4. homo erectus
5. neandrathals
6. cro-magnon
7. homo sapiens

Question 11

ramapithecus

Answer 11

walked erect on hind feet
only few teeth

Question 12

australopithecus

Answer 12

small statured
120 cm tall
450-600 cubic cm cranial capacity
walked nearly straight
vertebral column had lumbar curve and broad pelvis
teeth were man like
simian gap between incissors and canines was absent
had prognathous (protruding face), chin absent

Question 13

homo habilis

Answer 13

150 cm tall
cranial capacity: 680-735 cubic cm
showed bipedal locomotion
large head
less protruding face
body covered in air
small canines

Question 14

homo erectus

Answer 14

150 cm
cranial capacity: 800-1125 cubic cm
first to hunt animals and use fire
walked fully upright
bowl shaped pelvis

Question 15

neandrathal man

Answer 15

160 cm tall
cranial capacity: 1450 cubic cm
absolute bipedalism
large head
broad flat and sloping forehead
prominent brow ridges
almost no chin
less body hair

Question 16

cro-mgnon

Answer 16

180 cm tall
cranial capacity: 1450-1600 cubic cm
large skull
broad face
rounded forehead
prominent chin
lacked eyebrow ridges
less hairy
face was orthognathous (straight and strong jawed)