Chapter 16, Problem 14A

Summary Introduction

To insert:

The given vocabulary term for given description.

The fossil transition from early anthropoid to ape is not distinct as very few fossils from the late Oligocene exist. The oldest hominoid fossil appears in about 25 mya at the beginning of Miocene. These hominoids retained some ancestral primate features.

Answer to Problem 14A

Hominoids include all nonmonkey anthropoids- the living and extinct gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans.

Explanation of Solution

Hominoids are the largest of the primates and they have the largest brain size in relation to their body size. They have semi- upright or upright posture and except for hominins they have arms longer than their legs. The oldest known hominoid fossil is from the genus Proconsul . It is considered to be the human ancestor. The hominins include humans and all their extinct relatives. Homo sapiens have evolved from hominoids.