Human Evolution

Question 1

What is the open savanna theory

Answer 1

Human bipedalism evolved as a direct result of human ancestors’ transition from arboreal lifestyle to one on the savannas

Question 2

State 2 misconceptions regarding human evolution

Answer 2

Humans evolved from chimpanzees - they share a CA
It is like a ladder leading to H. sapiens - hominin evolution included many branches and coexisting species

Question 3

What is the multi-regional hypothesis

Answer 3

Human groups evolved from H. erectus populations in number of different parts of the world

Question 4

What is the Out of Africa hypothesis

Answer 4

H. sapiens evolved from H. heidelbergensis + a second migration out of Africa occurred where anatomically modern humans of African origin replaced archaic human populations

Question 5

What are the 2 sets of human derived features - give 2 examples of each

Answer 5

Modern human template - Bipedalism and large brain
Regional/Racial features - Facial shape and formation of eyelids

Question 6

Give 4 primate characteristics

Answer 6

• Hands + feet for grasping/opposable thumb
• Digits have flat nails
• Binocular vision
• Developed parental and social care

Question 7

What is and name given to CHLCA

Answer 7

Chimpanzee human last common ancestor
Pan prior

Question 8

Who are the hominins more closely related to than

Answer 8

humans than chimpanzees

Question 9

Give 3 homo genus species and 1 characteristic excluding H. n and H. h

Answer 9

H. habilis - tools found with fossils
H. erectus - first hominin to leave Africa and evidence of fire usage
H. heidelbergensis - first hominin to live in colder climates

Question 10

Why was H. neanderthalensis capable of speech

Answer 10

Developed hyoid bone

Question 11

Give 5 reasons for H. neanderthalensis extinction

Answer 11

Climate change
Inbreeding
Loss of game due to mass extinction
Competition
Direct hunting / attack