The Denisovans & the Emergence of Anatomically Correct Humans

Question 1

The Denisovans were named after which site and where?

Answer 1

Denisova Cave site in the Altai Mountains of Siberia

Question 2

What was the first Denisovan discovery?

Answer 2

DNA extracted from a finger bone identified it belonged to a previously unknown archaic human species separate from the Neandertals and modern humans.

Question 3

True or false? Denisovans interbred with anatomically modern humans and Neandertals.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What percent of the modern population in East Asia, Melanasia, and Indigenous Australian peoples is present?

Answer 4

5%

Question 5

Describe the family tree (ancestry) of Homo heidelbergensis.

Answer 5

H. heidelbergensis gave rise to two lines: modern humans and the Neandertal/Denisovan line

Question 6

True or false? Neandertals and Denisovans are closer to modern humans than eachother.

Answer 6

False; Neandertals and Denisovans are more closely related to one another than they are related to modern humans

Question 7

What is the scientific name of modern humans?

Answer 7

Homo sapiens sapiens

Question 8

What are some characteristics of modern humans that differ from Neandertals?

Answer 8

(1) Larger brain (barely, about the same)
(2) High rounded skull
(3) Globular skull with curved occipital region
(4) No distinct occipital bun
(5) Vertical forhead without large brow ridges
(6) small midface
(7) Smaller teeth and jaws than archaic humans
(8) prominent chin (mental eminence)
(9) tall and slender compared to Neandertals
(10) Lower, more narrow nose (Neandertals have a broad and longer nose)

Question 9

Describe the two explanations for the origin of Anatomically Modern Humans.

Answer 9

Multiregional model: suggests that modern humans evolved in various parts of the old world after Homo erectus spread out from Africa

The Replacement Model: “Out of Africa Hypothesis” anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa and spread into other areas of the old world replacing premodern humans
Note: fossil record supports this theory

Question 10

True or false? All of the oldest anatomically modern human fossils are found in Africa.
Which one is the oldest?

Answer 10

True; Omo 1, Ethiopia 195 000 ya (partial cranium)

Question 11

What is the significance of the Blomos Cave site in South Africa?

Answer 11

70 000 ya; incised ochre art piece that suggests improvements/changes in technology and culture

Note: also found along with many ornamental shells

Question 12

What do the two sites in the middle east of Early Modern Homo sapiens suggest?

Answer 12

Gives an idea of the timing of migration

Question 13

The Upper Paleolithic of Europe coincides with the appearance of _______ ______ _______; as well as new technology and cultural practices.

Answer 13

atomically modern humans

Question 14

Describe the new tool technology used by anatomically modern humans.

Answer 14

Indirect percussion: punch-blade technique– use punch tool and hit punch, directs force to concentrated area to create long, narrow blade

Question 15

Compare the efficiency of different tool technologies (from one pound of stone).

Answer 15

Homo habilis: 3in cutting edge

Question 16

Describe an Atatl, a tool used by early atomically modern humans.

Answer 16

Spear thrower made from antler where the hooks fit into the end of a spear; often artistically elaborate with carvings of animals. The purpose is to lengthen the arm, allowing for further propelling of spear and allow for safer hunting at a distance.

Question 17

When is it believe that the bow and arrow emerged.

Answer 17

60 000 ya; arrowheads found in Africa

Question 18

The Upper Palaeolithic is divided into what four phases based on tool technology?

Answer 18

Aurignacian, Gravettian, Solutrean, Magdalenian

Question 19

What are the four phases of the upper palaeolithic characterized by?

Answer 19

Aurignacian: blade production
Gravettian: micro-blades
Solutrean: laurel-leaf points or Solutrean points
Magdalenian: fine bone, antler, and ivory tools

Question 20

What technique is special to Solutrean tool making?

Answer 20

Heating up flint and becoming porcelain-like before the creation and modeling of the tool