Describe some of the main characteristics used to define early early representative from the Homo genus
- Bipedalism and associated characteristics
- More gracile build
- Taller, larger brain capacity
- Tool use
- Complex cognition e.g. burial, ritual and art
In terms of physical traits, Australopithecines are said to sit somewhere between quadrupedal and bipedal primates. Discuss the locomotion, diet and ecological niches inhabited by Australopithecus species
- Diet
- Locomotion
- -Bipedal adapatations:
- -Quadrupedal adaptations:
- -Arboreal adaptations
- Ecological Niches
Using named examples, describe the following methods of primate locomotion:
- Suspensory locomotion
- Terrestrial locomotion
- Arboreal locomotion
- Suspensory
- Terrestrial
- Arboreal
How can we increase our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of extinct species of hominids through studying extant species of primates
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Describe the main cranial characteristics used to define Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Use diagrams if necessary
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Give details on the benefits and problems associated with the ‘Biological Species Concepts’
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Which of the following is not a Miocene primate:
a) Sahelanthropus
b) Paranthropus
c) Siveapithecus
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Compare and contrast the ‘Multiregional’ and ‘Recent African Origins’ theories of modern human origins
Multiregional
-Regional variations of homo erectus developed independently
Recent African Origins
-Hominins evolved into
Using named species, define the term ‘hominid’
a primate of a family (Hominidae) which includes humans and their fossil ancestors
Describe the skeletal characteristics associated with terrestrial quadrupedal primates
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Describe the defining characteristics of one member of the Homo genus
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Which bone is not part of the calvarium?
a) occipital
b) parietal
c) maxilla
Maxilla - bottom jaw
Calvarium - skullcap - it is made up of the superior portions of the frontal bone, occipital bone, and parietal bones.
Temporal bones- at the side and base of the skull. Occipital, parietal, sphenoid, mandible and zygomatic.
Occipital- back and lower part of the skull, where the foramen magnum is situated.
Parietal- the sides and roof of the cranium.
Discuss how the anatomy of two extant primate species permit different methods of locomotion
Suspensory- brown spider monkeys.
- Prehensile tail with pads for gripping
- Opposable hallux
- Long, curved, strong phalanges
- Light, small body size
Terrestrial - Gorilla.
- Knuckle walking
- Much longer arms than legs
- Cone shaped ribcage
- Strong tendons, muscle attachments
- U-shaped end of ulna
Arboreal
- Long, curved strong phalanges
- Rarely touch the ground
- Nesting behaviours
