ANT 201_Critical Reading Quiz_Dmanisi (2)

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Dec 6, 2023

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Part 1: Dmanisi Articles The Reading A reference is: Oct. 18, 2013. Dmanisi Human: Skull from Georgia Implies All Early Homo Species were One. Accessed 4/5/21, http://www.sci- news.com/othersciences/anthropology/science-dmanisi-human-skull-georgia-01474.html Please answer each of these questions about Reading A: 1. Based on Reading A, in 2-3 sentences, describe the main point of this article. - Examination of a fully intact hominid skull dating back 1.8 million years, unearthed at the archaeological site of Dmanisi in Georgia, indicates that the earliest Homo species, such as Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis, were likely part of a single species. 2. Based on Reading A, in 3-4 sentences, explain the significance of the date and location of the Dmanisi fossil site. 3. Five years after Article A came out, researchers reported that the Shangchen (in China) stone tools go back 2.1 million years. Given this information, in 3-4 sentences, modify and revise your stated significance of the date and location of the Dmanisi skulls. - Five years following the publication of the Article A, a significant revelation emerged when researchers reported the existence of Shangchen stone tools dating back 2.1 million years in China. In light of this newly discovered evidence, the date and location of the Dmanisi skulls assume even greater importance. These findings potentially suggest a wider geographic and temporal distribution of early Homo species, including Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis, further emphasizing the need for a reassessment of our understanding of human evolution during that period. Based on Reading A, in 5-6 sentences, compare and contrast the braincase and the jaw of Skull 5 (the one on the far right of the image of all five skulls) versus the brain and the jaw of one other Dmanisi skull in the drawing (be sure to say which cranium in the drawing you are comparing). - The Dmanisi skulls, often collectively known as the Dmanisi hominins, exhibit a range of shared traits in their cranial and dental characteristics, implying that they likely belong to the same population or species. Nevertheless, there are discernible variations among them.For instance, Skull 5, positioned at the far right in the image, stands out due to its relatively small cranial capacity, measuring at approximately 546 cubic centimeters, and its robust jaw featuring large teeth. In contrast, let's draw a comparison with Skull 2, which is regarded as a key reference specimen and one of the more

complete Dmanisi skulls.Skull 2 presents a slightly larger cranial capacity when compared to Skull 5, estimated at roughly 600-650 cubic centimeters, suggesting a somewhat more substantial brain size. Although the jaw of Skull 2 is also robust, its teeth are not as large as those observed in Skull 5. These distinctions in cranial capacity and tooth size may imply inherent variation within the Dmanisi population.In summary, both Skull 5 and Skull 2, as representatives of the Dmanisi hominins, share common characteristics, such as their relatively modest cranial volumes and robust jaws, affiliating them with early Homo species. The differences in cranial capacity and dental dimensions may be indicative of natural diversity within the same population or potentially hint at the existence of distinct lineages within the Dmanisi site during the same chronological period. 4. Based on Reading A and relevant course material, in 4-5 sentences, evaluate whether the Dmanisi skulls are more like Homo habilis in Africa or more like Homo erectus material in Asia. - The Dmanisi skulls share several characteristics with both Homo habilis and early Homo erectus. They exhibit smaller cranial capacities and more primitive features, which are typical of early Homo species. However, they also show some similarities to Homo erectus, particularly in terms of their robust jaw and teeth. The dating of the Dmanisi site to around 1.8 million years ago places it closer in time to Homo erectus in Asia than to Homo habilis in Africa, as Homo erectus is believed to have appeared in Asia around 1.9 million years ago. This temporal proximity, combined with the presence of certain Homo erectus-like traits, suggests that the Dmanisi hominins may be more closely related to Homo erectus in Asia. However, it's important to note that the relationship between these early hominin populations is still a subject of ongoing research and debate in the field of paleoanthropology. The Reading B reference is: Rightmire, G. Philip, Ann Margvelashvili, David Lordkipanidze. 2019. Variation among the Dmanisi hominins: Multiple taxa or one species? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 168(3): 481-495. doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23759 Please answer each of these questions about Reading B: 5. 3-4 sentences: Based on Reading B’s abstract and the first full paragraph of p482, briefly describe the significance of finding a basalt layer and a sandy silt layer. Explain why finding evidence of a rapid burial is so important to understanding the Dmanisi hominins.

- The discovery of a basalt layer and a sandy silt layer can be significant for understanding the Dmanisi hominins or any ancient site. The presence of these layers can provide critical information about the geological context and the chronology of the site, helping researchers establish the timeline of events. Finding evidence of rapid burial, such as a sandy silt layer, is particularly important because it suggests quick and relatively undisturbed preservation of the fossils. This rapid burial can offer valuable insights into the environment, behavior, and potentially even the cause of death of the Dmanisi hominins, shedding light on their way of life and the challenges they faced in their ancient world. 6. 5-6 sentences: Review the right three paragraphs on page 482. Compare and contrast two features total of the braincase, face, and mandibles of Homo habilis (KNM-ER 1813) and Homo rudolfensis (KNM-ER 1470). Please use sketchfab.com and/or africanfossils.org to get 3D rotational views. Based on these features, evaluate whether or not you feel they are the same species. - Cranial Capacity: Homo habilis typically has a smaller cranial capacity, averaging around 600-750 cubic centimeters, while Homo rudolfensis is believed to have a larger cranial capacity, with estimates ranging from 750 to 800 cubic centimeters. This difference suggests variations in brain size. - Facial Features: Homo habilis often exhibits more primitive and ape-like facial features, with a relatively prognathic (jutting forward) face. In contrast, Homo rudolfensis is thought to have a flatter and more modern-looking face with a less pronounced prognathism.The debate about whether Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis should be considered separate species or potentially variations within a single species is ongoing in the field of paleoanthropology. Further research and analyses, including the use of 3D rotational models and advanced techniques, may help provide more clarity on their taxonomic status. 7. 4-5 sentences: Review the images and discussion of the mandibles of three Dmanisi individuals (pages 490-491). The authors discuss the mandibular ramus (ascending ramus), corpus (i.e., mandibular body or horizontal ramus), teeth, and more. Compare and contrast two mandibular/dental features across the three individuals. Describe how age-related differences may explain the variation in these features. - In studies of the Dmanisi individuals, researchers have noted variations in mandibular and dental features among the specimens. For instance, differences in tooth size and wear patterns can be observed. Such variations could be attributed to age-related factors. Younger individuals within a population often have smaller teeth and less pronounced dental wear than older individuals. Additionally, the development and morphology of the mandibular ramus and corpus can vary with age. Younger individuals may

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exhibit less robust mandibular features, which tend to become more pronounced as they age.Age-related differences can play a significant role in explaining the variation in mandibular and dental features within the Dmanisi population. These differences may not necessarily reflect distinct species but rather the natural variability within a single population as individuals mature and experience varying degrees of dental wear and mandibular development over time. 8. 5-6 sentences: Review the discussions/cranial evidence section (p489-490), and the conclusions (p492) in Reading B. Describe one example from Dmanisi of age or sex variation in the skull/cranial evidence. Is the variation reported at Dmanisi similar to the variation we see in either Homo sapiens or Homo erectus ? Then evaluate whether age/sex variation of skulls supports or fails to support their hypothesis that the five Dmanisi skulls represent one species. - Variation in age and sex among the Dmanisi skulls is well- documented. For example, researchers have observed differences in cranial features such as brow ridges and overall cranial size, which are often indicative of sexual dimorphism. This suggests the presence of both males and females within the Dmanisi population.When considering age variation, the Dmanisi hominin fossils also exhibit differences in cranial features related to age. Younger individuals may have less developed cranial features, such as brow ridges, while older individuals may show more pronounced features due to ongoing growth and aging.The variation seen in the Dmanisi skulls is broadly consistent with the kind of sexual dimorphism and age-related differences observed in Homo erectus and earlier hominin species. This variation within a population is expected, especially when examining fossil samples that span different individuals from varying age groups and potentially different sexes.The presence of age and sex variation in the Dmanisi skulls does not necessarily contradict the hypothesis that the five Dmanisi skulls represent one species. In fact, it is common for a single species to exhibit variation in cranial features due to age and sex differences. However, the hypothesis that these individuals represent one species should be based on a comprehensive analysis of all available evidence, including cranial, dental, and postcranial features, as well as geological context and dating, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their taxonomic status.

9. 4-5 sentences: Apply our earlier discussions of race and subspecies to address whether the Dmanisi population represents two or more biological subspecies. - The concept of race and subspecies in the context of paleoanthropology can be complex and controversial. It's important to note that the term "race" is often problematic when applied to human evolution because it implies distinct biological categories that don't align with the way we understand human genetic diversity today.When considering the Dmanisi population, it's more appropriate to discuss the potential existence of biological subspecies, which would indicate localized variation within a species. Whether the Dmanisi population represents two or more biological subspecies is a matter of ongoing debate in the field of paleoanthropology.To determine whether the Dmanisi hominins represent distinct biological subspecies, researchers would need to conduct comprehensive analyses of various aspects, including cranial, dental, and postcranial features, genetic evidence (if available), geological context, and dating. The extent and significance of the variations observed in these fossils would be crucial in making such a determination. Currently, there is debate and a lack of consensus among experts on whether the Dmanisi population should be classified as a single species or potentially divided into subspecies or different lineages. Further research and evidence are needed to draw more conclusive conclusions.

ANT 201_Critical Reading Quiz_Dmanisi (2)

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