Test #3 Flashcards
The dental pattern of Old World higher primates is:
a.
2-1-2-3.
c.
2-2-2-3.
b.
2-1-3-3.
d.
2-2-3-3.
a.
2-1-2-3.
High, pointed crowns indicate a diet of:
a.
fruit.
c.
meat.
b.
leaves.
d.
insects.
d.
insects.
Living lemurs are found only in:
a.
Asia.
c.
South America.
b.
Africa.
d.
Madagascar.
d.
Madagascar.
Which of the following are prosimians?
a.
baboons
c.
lemurs
b.
gibbons
d.
tamarins
c.
lemurs
The two suborders of primates are:
a.
platyrrhine and catarrhine.
c.
pongidae and hominidae.
b.
prosimians and anthropoids.
d.
tarsiers and anthropoids.
b.
prosimians and anthropoids
While at the zoo you see an exhibit with a small group of primates and notice they have wet, snout-like noses. This indicates a species of:
a.
prosimian, because they retain the rhinarium not found in other mammal species.
b.
anthropoid primate, because they retain the rhinarium commonly found in other mammal species.
c.
platyrrhine primate, because their nostrils do not point downward.
d.
strepsirhini that retain a rhinarium found only in prosimian primates.
d.
strepsirhini that retain a rhinarium found only in prosimian primates.
Modern primates are characterized by arboreal adaptations, including:
a.
opposable thumbs.
b.
a precision grip.
c.
short digits.
d.
an expanded reliance on sense of smell.
a.
opposable thumbs.
Primates’ enhanced sense of vision stems from:
a.
the fact that their eyes are rotated forward.
b.
their tendency toward nocturnality.
c.
their color vision.
d.
both a. and c.
d.
both a. and c.
Low, rounded cusps indicate a diet of:
a.
fruit.
c.
insects.
b.
meat.
d.
leaves.
a.
fruit.
Primate females:
a.
invest less in their offspring than do many other mammals.
b.
give birth to more offspring than do most other mammals.
c.
give birth to fewer offspring than do many other mammals.
d.
give birth to twins regularly.
c.
give birth to fewer offspring than do many other mammals.
The suborder prosimians includes:
a.
only nocturnal species.
c.
diurnal and nocturnal galagos.
b.
only diurnal species.
d.
diurnal and nocturnal lemurs.
d.
diurnal and nocturnal lemurs.
Anthropoids include:
a.
monkeys and apes, including humans.
c.
tarsiers, monkeys, and apes only.
b.
African and Asian apes only.
d.
lemurs, lorises, galagos, and tarsiers.
a.
monkeys and apes, including humans
The cladistic classification of apes and humans:
a.
includes three subfamilies within hominids: pongines, gorillines, and hominines.
b.
uses the term hominid to describe only humans and their ancestors.
c.
divides hominoids into hylobatids, pongids, and hominids.
d.
includes tarsiers, lemurs, and lorises.
a.
includes three subfamilies within hominids: pongines, gorillines, and hominines.
Relative to other primates, prosimian adaptations include:
a.
an enlarged olfactory bulb and enlarged scent glands.
b.
a larger brain.
c.
a reduced number of teeth.
d.
smaller eye orbits.
a.
an enlarged olfactory bulb and enlarged scent glands.
Anthropoids differ from prosimians in that they:
a.
have more teeth.
b.
have better color vision.
c.
are less dimorphic sexually.
d.
have a smaller brain relative to body size.
b.
have better color vision.
Prehensile tails are:
a.
present in catarrhine primates.
c.
present only in some platyrrhines.
b.
present in most primates.
d.
made strictly of muscle.
c.
present only in some platyrrhines.
Colobine primates:
a.
are mostly frugivorous.
b.
are usually terrestrial.
c.
have specialized digestive anatomy for eating leaves.
d.
are referred to as “cheek pouch” monkeys.
c.
have specialized digestive anatomy for eating leaves.
The suborder prosimians includes:
a.
New World and Old World monkeys.
b.
lemurs, lorises, galagos, and tarsiers.
c.
great apes and lesser apes.
d.
lemurs, lorises, and Old World monkeys.
b.
lemurs, lorises, galagos, and tarsiers.
Arboreal adaptation is:
a.
adaptation to life in the trees.
c.
adaptation to life in the savanna.
b.
the ability to brachiate.
d.
the ability to move on four limbs.
a.
adaptation to life in the trees.
You are reading a scientific paper regarding the relationships of the anatomical and behavioral characteristics of chimpanzees and their implications for early hominid evolution. You note that the authors refer to human ancestors as hominids. This implies that the researchers are relying on:
a.
cladistic classifications of chimpanzees and humans, as this is most appropriate for their research.
b.
anatomical classifications of chimpanzees and humans, as this is most appropriate when looking at adaptation and anatomy.
c.
genetic classification of chimpanzees and humans, hence their use of the term hominidto describe human ancestors.
d.
both b. and c.
b.
anatomical classifications of chimpanzees and humans, as this is most appropriate when looking at adaptation and anatomy.
In class your professor shows you an MRI scan of a primate brain. The professor points out the relatively large size of the olfactory bulb beneath the frontal lobe. This suggests to you that this: a.
primate exhibits a derived trait for an enhanced sense of smell, since this trait is not commonly observed in mammal species.
b.
is a species of anthropoid because it has an increased reliance on vision.
c.
primate must be a species of prosimian, as that suborder of primates relies heavily on the sense of smell for many aspects of daily life.
d.
species is nocturnal.
c.
primate must be a species of prosimian, as that suborder of primates relies heavily on the sense of smell for many aspects of daily life.
In your primate anatomy lab you are shown the mandible (lower jawbone) of a species of primate. While looking at the teeth you notice a large space between the canine and first premolar. In your lab book you note that this:
a.
is likely the lower jaw of a human, due to the potential presence of a canine-premolar honing complex.
b.
may be a species of Old World monkey or ape, as the space in the teeth of the mandible suggests the presence of a canine-premolar honing complex.
c.
is likely the lower jaw of a human, given the presence of a nonhoning chewing complex.
d.
may be a species of Old World monkey or ape, as the space in the teeth suggests the presence of a nonhoning chewing complex.
b.
may be a species of Old World monkey or ape, as the space in the teeth of the mandible suggests the presence of a canine-premolar honing complex.
While observing primates at the zoo, you notice that the particular monkey you are watching uses its hands, feet, and tail to grasp branches while moving throughout the trees in its enclosure. This is most likely a(n):
a.
Old World monkey, because many of these species have a tail with grasping abilities similar to those observed in nonhuman primate hands and feet.
b.
lesser ape, because many of these species have a tail with grasping abilities similar to those observed in nonhuman primate hands and feet.
c.
New World monkey, because these are the only monkeys that live in trees.
d.
New World monkey, because many of these species have a tail with grasping abilities similar to those observed in nonhuman primate hands and feet.
d.
New World monkey, because many of these species have a tail with grasping abilities similar to those observed in nonhuman primate hands and feet.
A skull with a foramen magnum positioned at the back of the skull belongs to:
a.
an individual that is fully bipedal, such as a human.
b.
an individual that is fully quadrupedal, such as a dog.
c.
an individual that is fully quadrupedal, such as a human.
d.
none of the above (this trait is observed only in prosimians).
b.
an individual that is fully quadrupedal, such as a dog.
The typical dental formula of lorises and lemurs is:
a.
2 / 1 / 3 / 3.
c.
2 / 1 / 3 / 2.
b.
1 / 1 / 3 / 3.
d.
2 / 1 / 2 / 3.
a.
2 / 1 / 3 / 3.
The typical catarrhine dental formula is:
a.
1 / 1 / 2 / 3.
c.
2 / 1 / 2 / 3.
b.
2 / 1 / 3 / 3.
d.
3 / 1 / 2 / 3.
c.
2 / 1 / 2 / 3.
The rhinarium is present in:
a.
baboons.
c.
ring-tail lemurs.
b.
gorillas.
d.
howler monkeys.
c.
ring-tail lemurs.
The Y-5 molar morphology is present in:
a.
colobus monkeys.
c.
lemurs.
b.
chimpanzees.
d.
howler monkeys.
b.
chimpanzees.
Relative to body size, primate brain size is:
a.
proportional to human brain size.
b.
more or less the same in large and small primates.
c.
smaller than in other large mammals.
d.
larger among great apes than among other primates.
d.
larger among great apes than among other primates.
The increased brain size observed in the order Primates:
a.
results in extended periods of nursing and development to accommodate increasing behavioral complexity.
b.
results in shorter developmental periods to accommodate the necessary energy expenditures of larger brain size.
c.
demonstrates the importance of intelligence in primate evolution.
d.
both a. and c.
d.
both a. and c.
Dietary plasticity in primates refers to:
a.
eating a wide variety of foods.
b.
lack of diversity of diets over time.
c.
diets composed of a variety of red meats.
d.
diets composed of a variety of fruits.
a.
eating a wide variety of foods.
African monkeys, including Miss Waldron’s red colobus, are:
a.
among the most endangered animals due to human exploitation of resources.
b.
a healthy population living in a subtropical environment.
c.
not highly adaptable to changing environments but do well in zoos.
d.
among the most endangered animal species due to disease.
a.
among the most endangered animals due to human exploitation of resources.
A feature unique to human teeth and human ancestors’ teeth is:
a.
the presence of a canine-premolar honing complex.
b.
a canine that shows no wear on any surface.
c.
the Y-5 cusp pattern.
d.
a canine that shows wear on the tip.
d.
a canine that shows wear on the tip.
The eminent British anatomist Sir Wilfrid E. Le Gros Clark (1895–1971) identified three prominent tendencies. They are:
a.
the presence of a rhinarium, increased mobility, and an opposable thumb.
b.
increased mobility, arboreal adaptation, and brachiation.
c.
arboreal adaptation, parental investment, and the presence of dietary plasticity.
d.
the presence of a rhinarium, forward-facing eyes, and increased parental care.
c.
arboreal adaptation, parental investment, and the presence of dietary plasticity.
Old World monkeys have:
a.
Y-5 molars.
c.
bilophodont molars.
b.
two sets of molars.
d.
one-inch molars.
c.
bilophodont molars.
Strepsirhines have a special lower incisor called a:
a.
bilophodont.
c.
diastema.
b.
two-ridge tooth.
d.
tooth comb.
d.
tooth comb
Preadaptation is:
a.
the series of apparent adaptations that are never actually used.
b.
the use of an anatomical feature in a way unrelated to the feature’s original function.
c.
an anatomical feature used in the manner for which it was originally selected.
d.
a phenomenon that occurs before natural selection can occur.
b.
the use of an anatomical feature in a way unrelated to the feature’s original function.
Primates have long growth and development periods because:
a.
they are like other mammals in taking a long time to develop to sexual maturity.
b.
on average they are smaller bodied than most other mammals.
c.
they have higher intelligence and larger brains relative to other animals.
d.
the areas of the brain associated with smell and hearing are expanded in primates.
c.
they have higher intelligence and larger brains relative to other animals.
Among all primates, humans have the:
a.
largest body relative to other animals.
b.
greatest level of biological adaptability.
c.
largest body size.
d.
largest brain relative to body size.
d.
largest brain relative to body size.
The cladistic approach to primate classification is:
a.
based on the use of anatomical and genetic evidence to establish ancestral relationships.
b.
based on direct observation of phenotypes only.
c.
also called the gradistic method of classification.
d.
based on levels of anatomical complexity, without consideration of ancestor-descendent relationships.
a.
based on the use of anatomical and genetic evidence to establish ancestral relationships.
The cladistic primate classification includes:
a.
anthropods and haplorhines.
c.
strepsirhines and haplorhines.
b.
hominoids and chordata.
d.
pongidae and omomyidae.
c.
strepsirhines and haplorhines.
Among all primates humans have the:
a.
largest olfactory bulb.
b.
greatest sense of hearing.
c.
most developed vision.
d.
most elaborate connections between different regions of the brain.
d.
most elaborate connections between different regions of the brain.
Phylogeny refers to:
a.
evolutionary relationships that are based on shared characteristics including physical traits, genetics, and behavior.
b.
the fundamental anatomical features in primates that reflect their high degree of diversity.
c.
primates’ ability to get around in trees using an unusually wide range of motions involving the limbs and trunk.
d.
a set of behaviors and anatomical characteristics that is unique to mammals adapted to life in the trees.
a.
evolutionary relationships that are based on shared characteristics including physical traits, genetics, and behavior.
The variation in living primates provides models for understanding:
a.
the uses of anatomical and genetic evidence.
b.
morphology, behavior, and adaptation in the evolutionary past.
c.
alternative forms of classification.
d.
levels of anatomical complexity.
b.
morphology, behavior, and adaptation in the evolutionary past.
A strepsirhine has a:
a.
wet nose, a snout, downward-facing nostrils, and longer hind limbs than forelimbs.
b.
snout, downward-facing nostrils, and longer forelimbs than hind limbs.
c.
wet nose, a snout, a tooth comb, and a grooming claw.
d.
tooth comb, a grooming claw, and ischial callosities.
c.
wet nose, a snout, a tooth comb, and a grooming claw.
Primates are characterized by:
a.
forward-facing eyes, varied diet, and nonviolent behavior.
b.
arboreal adaptation, dietary plasticity, and male dominance.
c.
docility, toolmaking, and parental investment.
d.
arboreal adaptation, dietary plasticity, and parental investment.
d.
arboreal adaptation, dietary plasticity, and parental investment.
Brachiation refers to:
a.
using the forelimbs to move from tree limb to tree limb.
b.
quadrupedal locomotion including the use of a tail.
c.
clinging and leaping locomotion in an arboreal environment.
d.
bipedality in nonhumans.
a.
using the forelimbs to move from tree limb to tree limb.
Catarrhines’ nostrils are:
a.
far apart and face sideways.
b.
close together and face downward.
c.
large due to their heightened sense of smell.
d.
wide and include a large nasal sinus.
b.
close together and face downward.
Diversity in primate societies means that primates:
a.
express themselves socially through a wide range of behaviors.
b.
encompass a variety of species with similar behaviors.
c.
can be classified into particular species exhibiting one type of behavior.
d.
are just as diverse in their behavior as are humans.
a.
express themselves socially through a wide range of behaviors.
Primate societies are complexly organized. This means:
a.
several species of primates coexist socially.
b.
within any primate group, individuals representing different kinships, ranks, ages, and sexes often form alliances.
c.
some primate societies are male only.
d.
some primate societies are female only.
b.
within any primate group, individuals representing different kinships, ranks, ages, and sexes often form alliances.
Many primate societies are complexly organized, enabling their members to form alliances,
including by:
a.
rank.
c.
kinship.
b.
age.
d.
all of the above
d.
all of the above
Natural selection generally favors behaviors that:
a.
increase body size.
c.
limit population size.
b.
increase brain size.
d.
enhance survival and reproduction.
d.
enhance survival and reproduction.
Primatologists:
a.
explore the relationships between specific social behaviors and reproductive fitness.
b.
study only physical aspect of primates.
c.
study cultural anthropology.
d.
know nothing of primate bones.
a.
explore the relationships between specific social behaviors and reproductive fitness.
Sexual dimorphism:
a.
refers to the mating rites of primates.
b.
concerns differences in body size and canine size.
c.
refers primarily to male and female social hierarchy.
d.
is the study of sexual intercourse between primates.
c.
refers primarily to male and female social hierarchy.
Polygynous:
a.
means “many marriages.”
b.
means “many offspring.”
c.
refers to a social group that includes one female and several males.
d.
refers to a social group that includes one adult male, several adult females, and their offspring.
d.
refers to a social group that includes one adult male, several adult females, and their offspring.
Polyandrous:
a.
refers to a social group that includes one reproductively active female and several adult males and their offspring.
b.
refers to a social group that includes one female and several males.
c.
means “many offspring.”
d.
refers to a social group that includes one adult male and several adult females and their offspring.
a.
refers to a social group that includes one reproductively active female and several adult males and their offspring.
Monogamousrefers to:
a.
a social group that is dominated by a single sex.
b.
a social group that includes an adult male, an adult female, and their offspring.
c.
primates that live exclusively as a nuclear family.
d.
a primate social group that includes an adult male and several adult females with their offspring.
b.
a social group that includes an adult male, an adult female, and their offspring.
Sexual selection is best defined as:
a.
the physical competition for access to females.
b.
the competition for resources to access females.
c.
natural selection in one sex caused by a trait’s attractiveness to members of the opposite sex.
d.
selection of males by females on the basis of disposition, physical appearance, and hierarchical position.
c.
natural selection in one sex caused by a trait’s attractiveness to members of the opposite sex.
Grooming involves:
a.
the development of alliances between females only.
b.
the development of alliances between males only.
c.
bonding between individuals of the same rank, picking through the skin and hair of another individual.
d.
bonding between two members of a social group, calming or appeasing the primate being groomed if he or she has a higher dominance.
d.
bonding between two members of a social group, calming or appeasing the primate being groomed if he or she has a higher dominance.
Altruistic behavior:
a.
is behavior that benefits others while causing a disadvantage to the individual.
b.
occurs only between primates that are not relatives.
c.
is not a beneficial evolutionary adaptation.
d.
is not an advantage of cooperation within a society.
a.
is behavior that benefits others while causing a disadvantage to the individual.
Kin selection refers to:
a.
nonaltruistic behavior toward other members of the kin group.
b.
altruistic behavior that increases the donor’s inclusive fitness.
c.
altruistic behavior that promotes kin-like bonding among nonkin.
d.
behavior that increases only the donor’s fitness.
b.
altruistic behavior that increases the donor’s inclusive fitness.
Three key factors that contribute to a female primate’s success at feeding are:
a.
speed, agility, and strength.
b.
source, quantity, and safety.
c.
quality, distribution, and availability of food.
d.
cooperation, altruism, and quantity for sharing.
c.
quality, distribution, and availability of food.
Quality, in reference to food, refers to the:
a.
location of food sources.
b.
ability to acquire food.
c.
storage of food for future consumption.
d.
amount of energy and protein a food provides.
d.
amount of energy and protein a food provides.
Distribution, in reference to food, means the:
a.
location of food across the landscape.
b.
distribution of primates in a primate group as they forage for food.
c.
distribution of food among primates in a group.
d.
adjustment in size of a feeding group.
a.
location of food across the landscape.
Availability of food:
a.
is dependent upon kin selection.
b.
can be highly variable, depending on season and rainfall.
c.
is determined primarily by the alpha male.
d.
is restricted to individuals high up in the dominance hierarchy.
b.
can be highly variable, depending on season and rainfall.
The study of primate vocal communication:
a.
has been used to understand the language evolution of all primates.
b.
has resulted in chimps and gorillas demonstrating an ability to speak.
c.
can give us insights into the selective pressures that may have shaped the evolution of language.
d.
demonstrates that gossip is not exclusively human.
c.
can give us insights into the selective pressures that may have shaped the evolution of language.
Variation in predator-specific vocalizations in the monkeys of the Tai Forest includes:
a.
stress calls between kin only.
b.
mating calls between dominant primates only.
c.
two different alarm calls indicating another group of chimpanzees or humans.
d.
two different loud alarm calls in response to predators, aerial and terrestrial.
d.
two different loud alarm calls in response to predators, aerial and terrestrial.
Predator-specific vocalizations in Diana monkeys vary based on:
a.
the type of predator and the predator’s attack strategy.
b.
conditioning in the lab by primatologists.
c.
emotional impulses produced randomly and involuntarily.
d.
individual factors, as in humans.
a.
the type of predator and the predator’s attack strategy.
Chimpanzee communication involves different combinations of sounds, such as:
a.
screams, gnashing, and hissing.
b.
grunts, pants, and hoots.
c.
howling, hoots, and high-pitched screams.
d.
pants, coos, and gurgles.
b.
grunts, pants, and hoots.
Vocalizations enable primates to:
a.
communicate as humans do.
b.
solve distressing situations among primate groups.
c.
name resources and monitor the social group.
d.
communicate, but only between members of the same hierarchy.
c.
name resources and monitor the social group.
Vocalization in chimp groups:
a.
occurs only to communicate a food source.
b.
exists only among those high up in the dominance hierarchy.
c.
sounds like howls and growls.
d.
is unique to specific groups or regions.
d.
is unique to specific groups or regions.
Why are primates social in the long term?
a.
to reduce stress, promote longevity, and enhance reproductive success
b.
to increase relationships between kin for the improvement of the society
c.
to emphasize care of the young
d.
to develop support for females to increase fecundity
a.
to reduce stress, promote longevity, and enhance reproductive success
Why are primates social in the short term?
a.
to increase female fecundity in dominant females only
b.
to increase interaction between sexually mature males and females
c.
to establish social relationships to prevent attacks from predators
d.
to share food sources
b.
to increase interaction between sexually mature males and females
What is special about primate societies and social behavior?
a.
They are not diverse.
b.
They welcome newcomers as humans do.
c.
They are highly diverse.
d.
They share and cooperate as humans do not.
a.
They are not diverse.
Female reproductive strategies emphasize:
a.
bonding with the dominant male monogamously.
b.
having one birth per year.
c.
having twin births every year.
d.
caring for young and ensuring access to food.
d.
caring for young and ensuring access to food.
Male reproductive strategies emphasize:
a.
competition between males for access to reproductive-age females.
b.
avoiding risk-taking behavior.
c.
avoiding violence against competitors for female access.
d.
engaging in care of young.
a.
competition between males for access to reproductive-age females.
How do primates acquire food?
a.
through cooperation among kin groups, mostly by hunting
b.
through a wide variety of food-foraging strategies
c.
through a limited set of highly specialized foraging strategies
d.
through the use of highly developed material culture
b.
through a wide variety of food-foraging strategies
How do primates communicate?
a.
through a system of adaptation that varies among social groups
b.
through the use of symbols
c.
through speech learned from primatologists
d.
through vocalizations that serve a range of functions and contexts
d.
through vocalizations that serve a range of functions and contexts
Monogamous behavior is characteristic of which of these species?
a.
baboon
c.
orangutan
b.
gibbon
d.
chimpanzee
b.
gibbon
A male and female gibbon that are similar in size likely demonstrate the lack of sexual dimorphism:
a.
due to the polygamous social structure in gibbons.
b.
as the result of unequal access to resources within their environment.
c.
due to decreased competition for mates in a monogamous social structure.
d.
which is not related to social structure in gibbons.
c.
due to decreased competition for mates in a monogamous social structure.
Which of the following is a rare primate residence pattern found only in orangutans and a few strepsirhines?
a.
one-male, multifemale
c.
multimale, multifemale
b.
one-female, multimale
d.
solitary
d.
solitary
All-male groups of nonhuman primates:
a.
are often polyandrous, before females join other existing groups.
b.
often exist together with multimale, multifemale groups.
c.
become permanent groups with rigid ranking systems.
d.
do not exist in the wild.
b.
often exist together with multimale, multifemale groups.
Polyandrous residence patterns represent:
a.
a social grouping that includes multiple adult males and females.
b.
one of the most common patterns in prosimians and Old World monkeys.
c.
a social grouping in which males cooperate in parenting activities.
d.
a social grouping that includes one male and multiple females.
c.
a social grouping in which males cooperate in parenting activities.
Male primates most often compete for mates while female primates compete for other resources, demonstrating that:
a.
reproduction places different energy demands on males and females, resulting in different reproductive strategies.
b.
reproduction has similar energy demands for both sexes, so males and females respond accordingly.
c.
primates do not vary in their abilities to respond to differing energy requirements.
d.
males acquire resources to ensure the survival of their offspring.
a.
reproduction places different energy demands on males and females, resulting in different reproductive strategies.
The higher the social rank of a female primate the:
a.
lower her access to resources and the lower the survival rate of her offspring.
b.
lower her access to resources and the greater the survival rate of her offspring.
c.
greater her access to resources, which results in lower birth rates.
d.
greater her access to resources, which results in higher birth rates.
d.
greater her access to resources, which results in higher birth rates.
Male primates compete for access to females and to maintain social groupings through all of the following social strategies EXCEPT:
a.
infanticide.
b.
vocalizing through loud territorial calls.
c.
fighting to maintain dominance of a one-male, multifemale group
d.
forming long-term cooperative relationships with multiple females.
d.
forming long-term cooperative relationships with multiple females.
Altruistic behavior benefits others while being a disadvantage to the altruistic individual. Which of the following reasons does NOT explain why it exists in primate societies?
a.
Altruistic behavior is not directed randomly but toward related individuals.
b.
Altruistic behavior is an example of kin selection.
c.
Altruistic behavior is likely to be observed in groups where there is high genetic relatedness among individuals.
d.
Altruistic behavior is the random effect of living in a complex social species.
d.
Altruistic behavior is the random effect of living in a complex social species.
Sociality among primates is likely the result of which of the following selective pressures?
a.
predation
c.
adaptive radiation
b.
niche competition
d.
habitat
a.
predation
The study of fossils is called:
a.
phylogeny.
c.
chronometry.
b.
biology.
d.
paleontology.
d.
paleontology.
The English surveyor who developed the technique of stratigraphic correlation between regions was:
a.
William Smith.
c.
Alfred Wallace.
b.
Charles Lyell.
d.
Richard Owen.
a.
William Smith.
Crucial to creating a fossil record of a species is:
a.
a living form of the fossil species.
b.
a good representation in the fossil record.
c.
the preservation of soft tissue such as muscle.
d.
the lack of dating; knowing the age of the fossil introduces biases.
b.
a good representation in the fossil record.
The study of what happens to an organism’s remains after death is:
a.
archaeology.
c.
forensic biology.
b.
cryptozoology.
d.
taphonomy.
d.
taphonomy.
Taphonomy is the study of:
a.
human cultural remains.
b.
human genetics.
c.
the processes that affect an organism’s remains after death.
d.
the processes that affect a living organism through life.
c.
the processes that affect an organism’s remains after death.
Which of the following is NOT an ideal environment for fossilization?
a.
mud
c.
sand
b.
acidic soil (as in a jungle)
d.
rock
b.
acidic soil (as in a jungle)
Most of the fossils discovered in Africa come from the eastern and southern parts of the continent. Why is this?
a.
More populations of species lived in these areas and nowhere else.
b.
Only these areas were conducive to sustaining life.
c.
These areas provided better preservation.
d.
Many villagers in these areas gather fossils to sell.
c.
These areas provided better preservation.
Eras are:
a.
divisions in geologic time divided into periods and epochs.
b.
any time periods in the past.
c.
divisions of time based on cultural standards, as in “Stone Age.”
d.
the time frames during which a certain fossil species existed.
a.
divisions in geologic time divided into periods and epochs.
The three eras that make up Earth history are:
a.
strata, stratigraphy, and striations.
c.
Early, Middle, and Upper Miocene.
b.
Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene.
d.
Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.
d.
Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.
To reconstruct and interpret evolutionary changes, it is crucial to place each fossil in time. This is called a(n):
a.
chronological sequence.
c.
period.
b.
era.
d.
phylogeny.
a.
chronological sequence.
The earth’s age is _______ years.
a.
4.6 billion
c.
6,000
b.
3.4 billion
d.
12 billion
a.
4.6 billion
The continent that existed about 200 mya, from which the modern continents ultimately emerged, is called:
a.
Eurasia.
c.
Australasia.
b.
Afrinesia.
d.
Pangaea.
d.
Pangaea.
Igneous rock can be dated with which of the following methods?
a.
radiopotassium dating
c.
radiocarbon dating
b.
dendrochronology
d.
fluorine dating
a.
radiopotassium dating
If fossil species A is consistently recovered from geological deposits beneath layers containing fossil species B, then A is considered older than B. This relative dating technique is based on the principle of:
a.
superposition.
c.
fluorine analysis.
b.
paleomagnetism.
d.
geolayering.
a.
superposition.
A stratigraphic layer in one location overwhelmingly represents one species, while the same species is discovered in a similar stratigraphic layer hundreds of kilometers away. What method is used to provide an estimate of age for this layer and this species?
a.
biostratigraphy
c.
Steno’s law of superposition
b.
dendrochronology
d.
carbon 14 dating
a.
biostratigraphy
Which era saw the proliferation of mammals?
a.
Holocene
c.
Jurassic
b.
Cenozoic
d.
Mesozoic
b.
Cenozoic
What is the basic difference between relative and absolute dating?
a.
the use of species
c.
the use of years to express the age
b.
the use of bones and teeth
d.
the use of wood
c.
the use of years to express the age
In the 1600s Nicolaus Steno proposed:
a.
the principle of uniformitarianism.
c.
the law of stratigraphy.
b.
taphonomy.
d.
the law of superposition.
d.
the law of superposition.
Cultural dating can be used to date:
a.
ceramics.
c.
shells.
b.
bones and teeth.
d.
trilobite evolution.
a.
ceramics.
During the Holocene artifacts like _______ began to appear.
a.
bones and teeth
c.
shells
b.
ceramics
d.
wooden objects
b.
ceramics
A wooden tomb is discovered with a well-preserved mummy inside. Which of the following methods could be used to date the tomb most accurately?
a.
superposition
c.
thermoluminescence
b.
electron spin resonance
d.
dendrochronology
d.
dendrochronology
A mummy is discovered whose tomb includes cloth, food, and other organic remains. What dating method would most likely be used to date the tomb?
a.
biostratigraphy
c.
dendrochronology
b.
carbon 14
d.
electron spin resonance
b.
carbon 14
Analysis of stable carbon isotopes in _______ can provide information on ancient diet.
a.
shell
c.
bones and teeth
b.
cloth
d.
wood
c.
bones and teeth
Scientists can determine the type of plant consumed based on:
a.
carbon 14.
c.
index fossils.
b.
radioisotopes.
d.
carbon 13 and carbon 12.
d.
carbon 13 and carbon 12.
Paleosols and fauna in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia show that the earliest hominins lived in _______ settings.
a.
wooded
c.
marshy
b.
unwooded grassland
d.
desert
a.
wooded
A hearth is discovered with bone fragments in it. What method might be used to date the bone?
a.
dendrochronology
c.
fission track
b.
electron spin resonance
d.
amino acid method
d.
amino acid method
Stratigraphic correlation is:
a.
matching strata by chemical composition and color from several sites across distances.
b.
correlating stratigraphic markers in one location.
c.
matching stratigraphy from known sites only.
d.
dating through the use of a chronometric method.
a.
matching strata by chemical composition and color from several sites across distances.
Fluorine dating is an example of what type of dating method?
a.
chronometric
c.
chemical
b.
nonrelative
d.
genetic
c.
chemical
For dating hominin fossils that go back 4 million years, what dating methods might be used?
a.
electron spin resonance
c.
amino acid method
b.
thermoluminescence
d.
both a. and b.
d.
both a. and b.
The molecular clock has been useful to determine the phylogenetic relationships of species based on the assumption that:
a.
a species lineage accumulates genetic differences over time at a constant rate.
b.
only some species are genetically related.
c.
DNA is preserved unchanged over long periods of time.
d.
species adapt at specific rates.
a.
a species lineage accumulates genetic differences over time at a constant rate.
Paleontologists find a fossil ape with long arms. What type of environment can they infer it inhabited?
a.
savanna
c.
grassland
b.
woodland
d.
swamp
b.
woodland
An index fossil is:
a.
a fossil found in a particular site.
b.
the ideal specimen of that species to which all later descriptions must refer.
c.
a fossil used to categorize a stratigraphic layer.
d.
the type specimen of a species.
c.
a fossil used to categorize a stratigraphic layer.
Based on the molecular clock, geneticists believe the split between chimps and hominins occurred _______ mya.
a.
10–12
c.
6–8
b.
8–10
d.
4–6
b.
8–10
What is the most important variable in reconstructing ancient climate?
a.
weather
b.
sea levels
c.
temperature estimated using any of several methods
d.
isotope ratios
c.
temperature estimated using any of several methods
Which dating method would be most appropriate for establishing the age of a volcanic ash layer from an early hominid site in eastern Africa?
a.
carbon 14 dating
c.
potassium-argon dating
b.
amino acid dating
d.
electron spin resonance dating
c.
potassium-argon dating
Some of the best information on climate history over the last several million years is based on the study of:
a.
amino acids.
c.
radioisotopes.
b.
foraminifera.
d.
dendrochronology.
b.
foraminifera.
Coinciding with the appearance of early hominins about 5–10 mya, the climate was:
a.
increasingly wet and rainy.
c.
increasingly dry and seasonal.
b.
increasingly hot and humid.
d.
less temperate.
c.
increasingly dry and seasonal.
Fission track dating can provide dates when used on which type of material?
a.
sedimentary rock
c.
bone
b.
shell
d.
igneous rock
d.
igneous rock
Thermoluminescence dating can provide dates when used on which types of materials?
a.
sediment, stone, and ceramics
c.
bone, shell, and fabric
b.
bone, wood, and stone
d.
shell, ceramics, and wood
a.
sediment, stone, and ceramics
Electron spin resonance dating can provide dates when used on which type of material?
a.
wood
c.
teeth
b.
shell
d.
soft tissue such as muscle
c.
teeth
During crucial periods of human evolution, the Pleistocene was characterized by:
a.
massive glaciation, then warm interglacials.
b.
high humidity.
c.
aridity, then humidity.
d.
glaciation, then aridity.
a.
massive glaciation, then warm interglacials.
Studies of temperatures during the Cenozoic era suggest that temperatures have _______ over time.
a.
steadily increased
c.
fluctuated, sometimes greatly,
b.
steadily decreased
d.
stayed basically the same
c.
fluctuated, sometimes greatly,
The time it takes for 50% of an unstable isotope to decay to a stable form is called the:
a.
semichron.
c.
demidose.
b.
middlemorph.
d.
half-life.
d.
half-life.
At a site in the American Southwest, you find only a single ceramic pot in association with an individual within a burial. You can use the pot to date the burial based on:
a.
biostratigraphic dating, because there may be animal remains inside the pot.
b.
cultural dating, since the pot must be specific to a known culture and time period.
c.
radiopotassium dating of the material used to make the pot.
d.
fission track dating of the pot itself.
b.
cultural dating, since the pot must be specific to a known culture and time period.
The arboreal hypothesis proposes that defining primate characteristics were adaptations to life in the trees, such as:
a.
grasping hands and feet, developed vision, and greater intelligence.
b.
grasping hands, tails, and intelligence.
c.
developed vision, greater sense of smell, and tails.
d.
developed vision, greater sense of smell, and grasping hands and feet.
a.
grasping hands and feet, developed vision, and greater intelligence.
The visual predation hypothesis proposes that:
a.
better vision allowed for better access to fruits and small insects.
b.
primate traits arose as adaptations to preying on insects and small animals.
c.
species could see predators from further away, thereby securing time to flee.
d.
predators had the ability to see primates better.
b.
primate traits arose as adaptations to preying on insects and small animals.
The angiosperm radiation hypothesis proposes that:
a.
primates’ unique traits are an adaptation to living in trees.
b.
primate traits arose as adaptations to preying on insects.
c.
certain primate traits were responses to the acquisition of fruit during the Cenozoic.
d.
primates could see predators in advance.
c.
certain primate traits were responses to the acquisition of fruit during the Cenozoic.
Paleocene organisms that may have been the first primates were:
a.
adapids.
c.
dryopithecids.
b.
proconsulids.
d.
plesiadapiforms.
d.
plesiadapiforms.
Plesiadapiforms are also called:
a.
proprimates.
c.
proconsulids.
b.
dryopithecids.
d.
adapids.
a.
proprimates.
Euprimates represent the first true:
a.
anthropoids.
c.
mammals.
b.
primates.
d.
catarrhini.
b.
primates.
Which genus is considered the ancestor to adapids and omomyids?
a.
Notharctus
c.
Carpolestes
b.
Proconsul
d.
Eosimias
c.
Carpolestes
Basal anthropoids are:
a.
Paleocene primates that may have been the first anthropoids.
b.
Paleocene organisms that may have been the first primates.
c.
Eocene organisms that may have been the first primates.
d.
Eocene primates that are the earliest anthropoids.
d.
Eocene primates that are the earliest anthropoids.
The Fayum desert has yielded fossils of the following three primates:
a.
Oligopithecus, Apidium, and Aegyptopithecus.
b.
Proconsul, Notharctus, and Adapis.
c.
Eosimias, Biretia, and Micropithecus.
d.
Proconsul, Eosimias, and Adapis.
a.
Oligopithecus, Apidium, and Aegyptopithecus.
Two genera of propliopithecids include:
a.
Aegyptopithecusand Micropithecus.
b.
Propliopithecusand Aegyptopithecus.
c.
Micropithecusand Aegyptopithecus.
d.
Propliopithecusand Proconsul.
b.
Propliopithecusand Aegyptopithecus.
The best-accepted hypothesis for the dispersal of African monkeys to the New World is that:
a.
platyrrhines evolved from anthropoids in Africa that migrated to South America in the Oligocene.
b.
platyrrhines evolved from anthropoids in Africa that migrated across the Atlantic to South America.
c.
platyrrhines evolved from anthropoids in Africa that migrated south on land to Antarctica, then to Patagonia.
d.
Old and New World anthropoids evolved independently from different lineages in Africa and South America, respectively.
b.
platyrrhines evolved from anthropoids in Africa that migrated across the Atlantic to South America.
Comparisons of tooth wear in living apes and extinct Miocene apes suggest that some extinct species of apes ate:
a.
insects, fruit, and leaves.
c.
leaves, nuts, and fruits.
b.
leaves, grass, and bark.
d.
nuts, fruits, and small animals.
c.
leaves, nuts, and fruits.
Which two genera may be the ancestors to the orangutan?
a.
Gigantopithecusand Sivapithecus
b.
Gigantopithecusand Khoratpithecus
c.
Khoratpithecusand Gigantopithecus
d.
Sivapithecusand Khoratpithecus
a.
Gigantopithecusand Sivapithecus
Gigantopithecusstood _______ feet tall and weighed _______ pounds.
a.
four; 300
c.
six; 250
b.
ten; 660
d.
five; 400
b.
ten; 660
Chororapithecusis considered the:
a.
oldest fossil in Africa.
b.
ancestor to Gigantopithecus.
c.
common ancestor of African apes and hominins.
d.
ancestor to Aegyptopithecus.
c.
common ancestor of African apes and hominins.
Canadian primate paleontologist David Begun proposes that climate changes in Europe prompted late Miocene apes to:
a.
migrate to Asia from Europe following food sources.
b.
take advantage of lower sea levels to migrate from Europe to South America.
c.
spread to Europe from Africa following the expansion of tropical forests.
d.
move from Europe back to Africa following food sources.
d.
move from Europe back to Africa following food sources.
The evolution of apes began in Africa and continued in:
a.
Europe and Asia.
c.
Europe and South America.
b.
Asia and South America.
d.
Greece and South America.
a.
Europe and Asia.
Monkeys underwent massive _______ in the Pliocene and Pleistocene.
a.
extinction
c.
migration
b.
adaptive radiation
d.
diversification
b.
adaptive radiation
A difference between Miocene apes and modern apes is the:
a.
length of the tail.
c.
size of the hands.
b.
breadth of the ribcage.
d.
morphology of the foot.
c.
size of the hands.
Like that of Dryopithecus,a modern gorilla mandible has:
a.
sharp, high crests on the teeth.
b.
large canines and no diastema.
c.
a Y-5 molar pattern and Sinodonty.
d.
a Y-5 molar pattern; low, rounded cusps; large canines; and a diastema.
d.
a Y-5 molar pattern; low, rounded cusps; large canines; and a diastema.
Apes first appear in Europe and Asia from about:
a.
17 mya.
c.
10 mya.
b.
6 mya.
d.
12 mya.
a.
17 mya.
Which of the following species of early primates had the most biological diversity?
a.
Eosimias
c.
Dryopithecus
b.
Proconsul
d.
Oreopithecus
b.
Proconsul
A species that is adapted to a wide range of environments, climates, and diets is:
a.
highly specialized.
c.
biologically diverse.
b.
likely undergoing further evolution.
d.
likely to go extinct.
c.
biologically diverse.
The similarity of the foot bones between _______ and the living anthropoids makes it the likely first true primate.
a.
Proconsul
c.
Dryopithecus
b.
Micropithecus
d.
Eosimias
d.
Eosimias
A rapid temperature increase about 55 mya created tropical conditions around the world, resulting in the:
a.
adaptive radiation of Euprimates.
c.
spread of Sivapithecus.
b.
development of Dryopithecus.
d.
extinction of many primate species.
a.
adaptive radiation of Euprimates.
Which Eocene organisms had clear primate characteristics like a postorbital bar, opposable thumbs, nails, and a large brain?
a.
proprimates and euprimates
c.
basal anthropoids
b.
adapids and omomyids
d.
plesiadapiforms
b.
adapids and omomyids
The calcaneus (heel bone) of Eosimiassuggests that it may be a very primitive: a.
primate.
c.
New World monkey.
b.
anthropoid.
d.
ape.
b.
anthropoid.
The northern African fossil primate called Biretiamay be an early anthropoid, based on the morphology of its:
a.
ankle.
c.
lower premolar tooth.
b.
skull.
d.
pelvis.
c.
lower premolar tooth.
If you are examining the fossil remains of the genus Dryopithecus, they are most likely from where?
a.
India
c.
France
b.
Bolivia
d.
China
c.
France
Sivapithecusis widely recognized as an ancestral member of which ape lineage?
a.
gorilla
c.
chimpanzee
b.
orangutan
d.
gibbon
b.
orangutan
During the Miocene epoch of the Cenozoic era, there was an adaptive radiation of which kind of primate?
a.
prosimians
c.
apes
b.
monkeys
d.
humans
c.
apes
Apes went extinct in southern Europe (including France, Spain, Italy, and Greece) during the late Miocene, probably as a result of:
a.
a meteor impact.
c.
climate change.
b.
a disease pandemic.
d.
early humans hunting them for food.
c.
climate change.
The most distinctive feature of ape dentition, which clearly distinguishes apes from Old World monkeys, is:
a.
a 2-1-2-3 dental formula.
c.
a Y-5 molar pattern.
b.
a long canine tooth in males.
d.
bilophodont molars.
c.
a Y-5 molar pattern.
Which of the following apes has been proposed as the last common ancestor of living African apes and humans?
a.
Ouranopithecus
c.
Dryopithecus
b.
Sivapithecus
d.
Gigantopithecus
a.
Ouranopithecus
Based on genetic analysis of living primates calibrated by the fossil record, it is estimated that apes and Old World monkeys diverged into separate lineages around:
a.
5 mya.
c.
15 mya.
b.
10 mya.
d.
25 mya.
d.
25 mya.
Which fossil group is characterized by an eye orbit fully enclosed by bone?
a.
adapids
c.
anthropoids
b.
plesiadapiforms
d.
omomyids
c.
anthropoids
The space between the canine and the first premolar in the lower jaw of some primates is a(n):
a.
retrocanine space.
c.
mandibular gap.
b.
alveolus.
d.
diastema.
d.
diastema.
Which anatomical feature would you expect to find in the fossil remains of a nocturnal species?
a.
long legs
c.
large eye orbits
b.
pointy teeth
d.
short fingers and toes
c.
large eye orbits
The most likely contender for the common ancestor of all later catarrhines is:
a.
Oligopithecus.
c.
Parapithecus.
b.
Aegyptopithecus.
d.
Apidium.
b.
Aegyptopithecus.
The shift from the Miocene, which had greater diversity of ape species and fewer monkey species, to a living assemblage with greater diversity of monkey species and fewer ape species may be the result of:
a.
global climate changes that resulted in cooler, wetter environments less optimal for ape species.
b.
differences in ability to exploit the habitats that resulted after a change in global climate.
c.
cooler climates, where it is more difficult to preserve larger ape fossils.
d.
declines in ape diversity, caused by competition from hominin species.
b.
differences in ability to exploit the habitats that resulted after a change in global climate.
