Classification of Humans and Primates

Outline how humans are classified. Name their taxa, starting with the kingdom and ending with the species.

List several primate traits. Explain how they are related to life in the trees.

Which of these are hominids?

• Great apes and lesser apes
• Marine mammals and terrestrial mammals
• Insects and arachnids
• Birds and reptiles

Which species are in the genus Homo?

• Species in the genus Homo include modern humans (Homo sapiens), Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis), and Homo erectus.
• Species in the genus Homo include Homo habilis, Homo floresiensis, and Homo naledi.
• Species in the genus Homo include Homo sapiens, Homo erectus, and Homo habilis.
• Species in the genus Homo include Homo neanderthalensis, Homo habilis, and Homo sapiens.

Relate climatic changes to the evolution of the genus Homo within the last million years.

What is the significance of the fact that we share 93 to 99 percent of our DNA sequence with other primates?

Which species do you think we are more likely to share a greater amount of DNA sequence with – nonprimate mammals or nonmammalian chordates? Explain your answer.

What is the relationship between shared DNA and shared traits?

Compared to other mammals, primates have a relatively small area of their brain dedicated to olfactory processing. What does this tell you about the sense of smell in primates compared to other mammals? Why?

The part of the brain in primates that is specially enlarged is:

• cerebrum

• cerebellum

• clavicle

• brainstem