Understanding Hominin Evolution: Key Debates and Insights

LA group members: _______________________________________________ Group Number: _____ LA6: Hominin Evolution Part 1. Two Sides to an Argument Background: Over the years, there have been a large number of debates regarding the evolution of humans. One such debate was between scientist, Bill Nye and scientist, Ken Ham. Although some of you may hold a strong opinion about this topic, it is always useful to be aware of both sides of a debate. After viewing the video posted on the LA6 page, in an open manner, discuss with your group the support for both evolution and creationism, and then list these points below. Credit: “The Far Side” Gary Larson Evolution: Creationism:

Part 2. Relating Early Hominids to Humans LA6 PowerPoint slides are posted on LA6 ELMS page. Together, view the slides that describe the general evolution of hominids through time and use the four examples of Homo species to modern day humans ( Homo sapiens ). ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN PART 2 HERE AFTER AGREEING UPON THE ANSWER TOGETHER IN YOUR GROUP. Q1. ________ Q2. ________ Q3. ________ Q4. ________ Q5. ________ Q6. ________ Q7. a) _____________________________ b) Q8. a) _____________________________ b) Hypothesis: Q9. A. B.

Q10. One of our closest known hominid relatives, Homo neanderthalensis, is thought to have been stronger, stockier, with larger noses and on average, a greater cranium size than modern day humans. Based on what you know about evolution and natural selection, theorize why these seemingly more beneficial traits were selected for, and then discuss why you think the Neanderthal was outcompeted by humans Homo sapiens . (Hint: Neanderthals lived during last ice age and struggled as the Earth warmed). Part 3. Relating Modern Primates to Humans Use the matrix below to construct a phylogenetic tree demonstrating the relationship between modern primates and humans. Include all noted traits on the phylogeny. Fill in the additional traits present in modern humans that evolved after the most recent common ancestor of chimpanzee and Homo sapiens . Refer to information in Ch22.7, but mostly from the lecture slides. Lemurs & Loris Tarsiers New World Monkeys Old World Monkeys Gibbons Orangutans Gorillas Chimpanzees Hominids Mammal X X X X X X X X X Dry nose X X X X X X X X Opposable thumb X X X X X X X Downward facing nose X X X X X X Lack of tail X X X X X Fist walking X Knuckle- walking X X X Increased learning capacity X X Bipedal X

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Work together to draw your completed cladogram and take a picture of the final tree and post it below on the document you turn in.

Part 4. Chordates Chordates are a phylum of the animal kingdom containing a wide variety of organisms, from the alien-like sea squirt to complex humans. Due to this large variety of organisms it may be difficult to grasp just how these animals are related. One way to explore this is through understanding the progression of characteristics evolved over time. Fill in the characteristics on the tree below with these shared derived traits by marking with a line on the tree. Characteristic Details A) Head Compartmentalization and protection of brain B) Jaws More effective feeding for increased metabolism support C) Amniotic Egg Specialized eggs that provide protection, nutrients, gas exchange, and waste storage D) Legs Allow terrestrial motility E) Brain Greater control of body F) Vertebral Column Improved support and mobility G) Milk Production Provides nutrients for young offspring H) Lobed Fins Fins with bones and muscles I) Lungs/Lung Derivatives Allows breathing of air

1. What is the relationship between mammals and reptiles? Monophyletic, paraphyletic or polyphyletic? 2. What is the relationship between mammals and amphibians? Monophyletic, paraphyletic or polyphyletic? 3. What is the relationship between reptiles and birds? Monophyletic, paraphyletic or polyphyletic? Answer questions #1-3 using: Monophyletic, Paraphyletic or Polyphyletic. 1. What is the relationship between mammals and reptiles? 2. What is the relationship between mammals and amphibians? 3. What is the relationship between reptiles and birds? 4a. Which of the taxa shown on the tree represent the closest sister taxa relationship? 4b. What are characteristics the members of this sister taxa share that group them together?

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Part 5. "What does it mean to be human?" up to 3 Extra points! (Optional) Turn this in as a group or individually to your ULA. Go to: http://humanorigins.si.edu/ Explore the "What does it mean to be human?" website below to further your understanding of human development and use that information to answer the following questions. Pay attention to the hypothesis proposed by Dr. Rick Potts. and look specifically over the Human Characteristics ; Humans Change the World; and Ancient DNA and Neanderthals: Interbreeding (Links to an external site.) sections. Each of these provides a link to that page to help you answer the questions. ________Q1. What is the trend in human brain development and why? A. Increases because excess energy was going to waste B. Increases for storing and processing more information C. Decreases because the energy requirement was too great D. Decreases for storing and processing less information _______Q2. Which hominids lived during the Turning Point period in which humans began farming and herding? A. H. erectus, H. floresiensis , H. neanderthalensis , and H. sapiens B. H. erectus, H. floresiensis, H. neanderthalensis, H. heidelbergensis, and H. sapiens C. H. floresiensis, H. neanderthalensis, and H. sapiens D. Only modern H. sapiens developed the ability for herding animals and farming. _______Q3. What hypothesis introduced by Rick Potts supports the hypothesis that hominids migrated from Africa were able to live in many different environments around the globe? A. The instability hypothesis which states that environmental instability shaped human evolution. B. The environmental hypothesis which states that environmental stability shaped human evolution C. The variability selection hypothesis which states that environmental instability shaped human evolution. D. The adaptation hypothesis which states that environmental instability shaped human evolution. _______Q4. The earliest stone toolmaking dates back to 2.6 mya (million years ago). Some of the earliest tools made by these hominin species includes: A. Hammerstones, stone cores, and sharp stone flakes B. Spears and scrapers C. Bone needles and harpoon points D. None of these

_______Q5. Choose which of the choices below represent genes that came from Neanderthal DNA. Select all that are correct. A. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MRC1) for pigmentation B. Control of balance and other movements C. Production of enamelin and amelotin proteins during dental formation D. Depression E. Genetic resistance to disease _______Q6. The Age of Humans is known as the __? A. Pleistocene B. Holocene C. Anthropocene D. Cenozoic _______Q7. Modern humans are most closely related to _______ and they share what derived trait(s) _____________? A. Orangutans; bipedalism B. Bonobos; opposable thumb C. Prosimians; long arms, short leg, and no tail D. Gibbons; opposable thumb Q8. (1 pt). What do you think is the biggest reason(s) for the success of Homo sapiens over all the other species of Homo? (give your group consensus)

LA5 Human Evolution- pdf

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