Chapter 16, Problem 2STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

As per the fossil record, about 195,000 years ago Homo sapiens firstappeared in Ethiopia. H. sapiens displaced the Neanderthals and is characterized by a more slender appearance than all other Homo species. They have thinner skeletons, rounder skulls and smaller faces with prominent chins. Their brain capacity averages 1350 cm3.

Answer to Problem 2STP

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (B) Homo ergaster

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (B) Homo ergaster. It had longer legs and shorter arms. It had a rounded skull with reduced teeth. Its brain averaged 1000 cm³. Many scientists believe H. ergaster to be the first human nose with the nostrils facing downward. They shared features with modern humans. Thus, this is the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer:

Option (A)Homo erectus. It had appear to evolved traits that the early African H.ergaster species do not have. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) Homo neanderthalensis. DNA tests on fossil bones suggest that Neanderthals were a distinct species that did not contribute to the modern human gene pool. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) Homo rudolfensis. This species coexisted with H. habilis. Because few fossils ofH. rudolfensis have been found, its exact relationship to the rest of the Homo line is uncertain.Thus, this is an incorrect answer.