Hominids Evolution

Scientists have found evidence that about 2.4 million years ago a gene regulating jaw muscles mutated and may have led to the more graceful human jaw we see today. The diagram below shows the skulls of 3 hominid species. Which statement below most closely explains the link between jaw size and hominid evolution?

• The jaws of hominids evolved to be smaller and less protruding over time as did the skull.

• The jaws of hominids evolved to be larger and more protruding over time.

• There appears to be no change in the jaws of hominids over time.

• The jaws of hominids changed over time due to a change in brain size

Scientists have found evidence that about 2.4 million years ago a gene regulating jaw muscles mutated and may have led to the more graceful human jaw we see today. The diagram below shows the skulls of 3 hominid species. Which statement below most closely explains the link between jaw size and hominid evolution?

• The jaws of hominids evolved to be smaller and less protruding over time as did the skull.

• The jaws of hominids evolved to be larger and more protruding over time.

• There appears to be no change in the jaws of hominids over time.

• The jaws of hominids changed over time due to a change in brain size

Based on the illustration to the right, what do the similarities between human and chimpanzee hands and feet suggest about the different organisms?

• Chimpanzees and humans both have hands and feet adapted for walking upright, showing they have identical DNA.

• Chimpanzees and humans both have similar hands for grasping, proving they make and use complex tools.

• Humans and chimpanzees both developed five digits on their hands and feet, suggesting they have a common ancestor.

• Humans and chimpanzees both have thumbs, proving they eat similar foods like meat, nuts, and vegetation.

How is the scientific theory of evolution supported by the comparison of the skulls and skeletons of modern humans and extinct hominids?

• By making the hip, spine, and skull comparisons, the age of different hominid specimens can be determined.

• Comparison of skull and skeletons provides evidence that humans and different hominid species interacted.

• Similarity in skull shapes, hands, and hips between extinct hominids and humans supports a common ancestry.

• Skull and skeleton comparisons can explain why hominids were inferior and became extinct while humans evolved.

The ability to walk upright on two legs is called:

• bipedalism

• quadropedalism

• bicyclepedalism

• tripedalism

Which of the following correctly summarizes the physical changes that early humans went through over the past million years or so?

• Brain size increased as jaw size decreased
• Brain size decreased as jaw size increased
• Bipedalism increased as use of tools increased
• Bipedalism decreased as the use of tools increased

What do we share in common with primates?

• Common Ancestors

• Humans evolved from monkeys

Three physical changes in the process of human evolution are

• Opposable thumb, free hands and Bipedalism

• Bipedalism, decrease of the brain/skull and increase of jaw/teeth

• Bipedalism, increase of the brain/skull and decrease of jaw/teeth

If you wanted to excavate fossils of the earliest human ancestors, to what country might you travel?

• Australia

• China (Asian continent)

• Kenya (African continent)

• Iceland

What is the scientific name for modern humans?

• Australophithecene
• Homo ergaster (erectus)
• Homo habilis
• Homo sapiens