Human Evolution Flashcards
What is the time range for Homo floresiensis?
315,000 years ago (YA) to 190,000 - 40,000 YA.
What is the time range for Homo naledi?
335,000 to 236,000 YA.
Why should we not assume a linear progression in the Homo phylogeny?
The temporal presence of the genus does not reflect a linear evolution but rather a complex branching of species.
What is Homo heidelbergensis?
A term used to describe some African, European, and Asian specimens dated to approximately 450,000 to 180,000 BP.
What are some characteristics of Homo heidelbergensis?
Combines primitive and derived traits, such as a projecting supraorbital torus and thick cranial bones.
When and where were Neanderthals first discovered?
Discovered in 1856 in a quarry at Feldhofer Grotto, Neander Valley, Germany.
Who announced the discovery of Neanderthals?
Local naturalist Johann Karl Fuhlrott and anatomist Hermann Schaaffhausen in 1857.
What is the cranial capacity range for Neanderthals?
1245 to 1740 cm³.
What are some morphological features of Neanderthals?
Long, low vault; continuous supraorbital torus; occipital bun; and a long prognathous face.
What is the significance of La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1?
It was misinterpreted as more apelike than human, leading to misconceptions about Neanderthals.
Define ‘Hominid.’
The group consisting of all extant and extinct great apes, including humans and their immediate ancestors.
Define ‘Hominin.’
The group consisting of modern humans, extinct human species, and all immediate ancestors.
What is Sahelanthropus?
The oldest known hominin, dated to approximately 7 million years ago.
What are key features of Sahelanthropus tchadensis?
Small brain case, chimp-like teeth, and possibly bipedal.
What is Orrorin?
A hominin species from Kenya, dated to approximately 6.1 - 5.7 million years ago.
What are the two species of Ardipithecus?
A. kadabba (5.6 million years ago) and A. ramidus (4.4 million years ago).
What is Australopithecus sediba?
An early representative of the genus Homo, dated to approximately 2 million years ago.
What is the significance of Homo habilis?
Known as ‘handy man,’ it lived approximately 2.1 to 1.5 million years ago and is associated with early stone tools.
What are key characteristics of Homo habilis?
Short stature, long arms, and cranial capacity slightly less than half that of modern humans.
What is Homo ergaster?
An early hominin species from 1.9 million to 1.4 million years ago, thought to be ancestral to Homo erectus.
What distinguishes Homo erectus?
It originated in Africa and spread to Eurasia, existing from 1.9 million years ago to 70,000 years ago.
What is the cranial capacity range for Homo erectus?
Ranges from 850 cm³ to 1100 cm³.
What are the two divisions of australopithecines?
The robust australopithecines (Paranthropus) and the gracile australopithecines (Australopithecus).
What is Paranthropus known for?
Robust craniodental features and adaptations for heavy chewing.
What is Australopithecus afarensis?
A species that lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago, known for the famous fossil ‘Lucy.’
What does the pelvis of Australopithecus afarensis indicate?
It shows adaptations for bipedalism, with a more human-like structure than ape-like.
How did the hand morphology of Australopithecus afarensis differ from modern humans?
They had curved phalanges, suggesting adaptations for climbing.
What is the significance of the Taung Child?
It was an early fossil of Australopithecus africanus discovered in 1924, showing both human-like and primitive traits.
What are the implications of Australopithecus africanus for tool use?
The hand bones suggest a ‘human-like trabecular bone pattern,’ indicating potential for early tool use.
What is the relationship between Homo habilis and Homo ergaster?
Homo habilis is often thought to be an ancestor of the more gracile Homo ergaster.
