Topic 4 - Fossil Evidance For Human Evolution Flashcards
What does fossil evidence show about the development of organisms?
Developments in organisms arose slowly
Fossil evidence allows for the estimation of when a fossil was formed using carbon dating and related techniques.
What is Ardi and how old is it estimated to be?
Ardipithecus ramidus, estimated to have lived 4.4 million years ago
Ardi is the oldest known human ancestor.
What are the key features of Ardi’s fossilized skeleton?
Contains humanoid features and resembles an ape
Ardi is phenotypically intermediate between humans and apes.
What does the bone structure in Ardi’s feet suggest?
Evolved separately from chimpanzees
The foot structure indicates distinct evolutionary paths for Ardi and chimpanzees.
How old is the fossilized skeleton known as Lucy?
Dates from 3.2 million years ago
Lucy is another important intermediate between apes and early humans.
What does Lucy’s bone structure suggest about her locomotion?
Walked in an upright, human-like position
Despite her upright posture, she had a small, chimp-like skull and brain.
Who discovered fossils that supported the theory of natural selection?
Louis and Mary Leakey
Their discoveries in the 1950s included important fossils and remnants of stone tools.
What is significant about Homo habilis?
Considered one of the most important early human species
Fossils of Homo habilis included remnants of stone tools, indicating early toolmaking.
True or False: The presence of intermediate organisms supports the theory of evolution.
True
Intermediate organisms like Ardi and Lucy provide evidence for gradual evolution.
Fill in the blank: The oldest known human ancestor is _______.
Ardipithecus ramidus
Ardi is significant for understanding human evolution.
