Reconsidering the Story of Our Earliest Ancestors

The transcript discusses the discovery and analysis of the Littlefoot fossil, a 3.67 million-year-old hominin found in South Africa. Initially thought to be a new species, Littlefoot's classification sparked debate among researchers. The fossil's dating suggests it predates the famous Lucy fossil, indicating a wider distribution of early hominins across Africa. Recent studies using micro CT scanning have provided new insights into Littlefoot's mobility, suggesting it was more arboreal than previously believed.

What was the initial claim about the age of Littlefoot?

• 2.67 million years ago

• 3.67 million years ago

• 4.67 million years ago

• 5.67 million years ago

What percentage of the Littlefoot skeleton was recovered?

• 100%

• 90%

• 50%

• 40%

What was one of the initial theories about Littlefoot's locomotion?

• She used tools for walking.

• She was a fast runner.

• She exhibited early signs of bipedal walking.

• She was primarily a tree-dweller.

What was the main point of contention regarding Littlefoot's classification?

• Whether it was older than Lucy.

• Whether it was found in the right location.

• Whether it was a new species or not.

• Whether it was a male or female.

What was a major challenge in dating the Littlefoot fossil?

• Presence of modern artifacts nearby.

• Lack of volcanic ashes in South Africa.

• Inaccurate carbon dating methods.

• Conflicting historical records.

What did the micro CT scans reveal about Littlefoot's head movements?

• They were similar to modern humans.

• They were identical to chimpanzees.

• They were more restricted than modern humans.

• They differed from modern humans.

What does the new research suggest about Littlefoot's lifestyle?

• She lived in caves.

• She was primarily aquatic.

• She was a solitary creature.

• She moved regularly in trees.