Evolution of the Skull

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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