Chapter 16, Problem 26A

Summary Introduction

Introduction : The remains or traces of ancient life which have been preserved over time by natural processes are known as fossils.

Evolution is the change in traits of a species over generations, which is mainly dependent on the natural selection.

Answer to Problem 26A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (c), Neanderthal humans.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Neanderthal humans or Homo neanderthalensis were evolved in Europe and Asia about 2,00,000 years ago from H. erectus . They were shorter, but the muscle mass was present in abundance amount. They had large brains than the modern humans, thick skulls, and bony browridges and large noses.

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (a) Cro-magnon humans are the first evidence of complex human culture which appeared in Europe, before the disappearance of Neanderthals. They developed artificial, sophisticated tools and weapons which included spears and bows and arrows.

Option (b) modern H. sapiens age 1,95,000 years ago to present. The average brain capacity is $1350c{m}^3$ . H. sapiens, do not have browridge, but a small chin is present.

Option (d) Proconsul is an extinct genus of primates. It existed from 28.4 to 11.608 mya at the time of Miocene epoch. Its fossils are present in Kenya and Uganda. They had smallest brains among all the hominoids.

Conclusion

The large brain and thickened browridges illustrated in the given figure is of Neanderthal humans.