Exploring Hominin Evolution: A Physical Anthropology Quiz

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1. Which hominid species lived in Central Africa around 7 million years ago with small brains, faces, and less ape-like teeth, as well as a massive brow-ridge, and were bipedal?

Explanation

Sahelanthropus tchadensis is the correct answer as it matches all the given characteristics and time period specified in the question.

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About This Quiz
Exploring Hominin Evolution: A Physical Anthropology Quiz - Quiz

Explore the fascinating journey of hominid evolution with this focused study aid. Designed for students of Physical Anthropology, this set enhances understanding of Hominid Phylogeny, critical for grasping... see morehuman evolutionary biology. see less

2. Which prehistoric hominin, discovered in Kenya and known as the 'millennium man', lived in a forest environment, was less than 4 feet tall, had ape-like hands, and displayed bipedal locomotion based on a femur discovery?

Explanation

The correct answer is Orrorin Tugenesis, also known as the 'millennium man'. While Ardipithecus Ramidus, Paranthropus Boisei, and Homo Habilis are indeed early hominins, they do not match the description provided in the question in terms of characteristics and location of discovery.

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3. Which prehistoric species, dating back to 4.4 mya, was found in the Awash Valley, Ethiopia? The fossils of this species were very fragmented, had a small 350 cc brain, were fully bipedal, partially arboreal, had nonhoning dentition, were less than 4 ft tall, and lived in a wooded setting.

Explanation

Australopithecus Afarensis (Lucy) is not the correct answer as Lucy lived in East Africa and had a larger brain size than Ardi. Paranthropus Robustus did not fully fit the description provided and is not the correct species. Homo Erectus lived later in history and had a larger brain size compared to Ardi.

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4. Which early hominin species is characterized by large canines, a diastema with rectangular teeth, primitive features, height less than 4 feet, and lived in a wooded setting in the Awash Valley, Ethiopia around 4 million years ago?

Explanation

Australopithecus anamensis fits the description provided in the question. Homo habilis, Paranthropus boisei, and Ardipithecus ramidus do not match all the given characteristics.

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5. Which hominin species lived in Hadar, Ethiopia 4.0-3.0 million years ago with an average brain size of 420cc, a low, flat forehead, prognathism, prominent brow ridges, flat nose, very sloping chin, relatively large incisors and canines, diastema, moderate-sized molars, and U shaped jaws, but with no developed tool culture recovered?

Explanation

Australopithecus afarensis or Lucy, had the described characteristics and lived in Hadar, Ethiopia 4.0-3.0 million years ago. Homo habilis was a later hominin species known for using tools. Paranthropus boisei had a different skull morphology with robust features and powerful chewing muscles. Ardipithecus ramidus lived in the earlier period with different characteristics.

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6. Which hominin species, living approximately 3.5 million years ago with a 400cc brain size, showed possible cooperation/competition with afarensis, had a more derived skull and teeth, was found with a flat face, and lived in woodlands?

Explanation

Kenyanthropus platyops is the correct answer as it fits all the descriptions provided in the question. Australopithecus afarensis, Paranthropus boisei, and Homo habilis were other hominin species that existed around the same time but do not match all the criteria mentioned.

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7. What hominid species had a brain size of 410cc, primitive skull form resembling afarensis, massive jaws/teeth, and was found in East Africa around 2.5 mya?

Explanation

Australopithecus Afarensis (Lucy) is known for being more gracile with a smaller brain size. Homo habilis had a larger brain size and more advanced tools. Paranthropus boisei (Nutcracker Man) had a different skull and jaw structure compared to Australopithecus Aethiopicus.

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8. Approximately how many years ago did Australopithecus garhi, known as the 'missing link', exist with a brain size of 470 cc, standing over 5 feet tall, being described as a scavenger and using tools that left marks on animal jaws?

Explanation

Australopithecus garhi lived approximately 2.5 million years ago and is considered an important part of human evolution based on its characteristics and behavior as described in the question.

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9. Around 2.5 million years ago, a fossil with a 440cc brain size belonging to a teenage boy/adult female was discovered. This fossil was described as having primitive/derived characteristics, being bipedal, and having flat fingers. What is the correct identification of this fossil?

Explanation

Australopithecus sediba is the correct identification of the fossil based on the given information regarding the brain size, characteristics, and time period. The other options are different species from the Homo, Paranthropus, and Ardipithecus genera, which do not align with the specific features described.

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10. Which hominin species is characterized by a height still

Explanation

Australopithecus Boisei is the correct answer as it aligns with the given characteristics such as height, brain size, skull form, jaws/teeth, distribution, and estimated dates. While the other options, Homo habilis, Paranthropus robustus, and Ardipithecus ramidus, do not fit all the specified criteria.

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11. Approximately when did Archaic Homo sapiens first appear?

Explanation

Archaic Homo sapiens first appeared around 350,000 years ago.

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Which hominid species lived in Central Africa around 7 million years...
Which prehistoric hominin, discovered in Kenya and known as the...
Which prehistoric species, dating back to 4.4 mya, was found in the...
Which early hominin species is characterized by large canines, a...
Which hominin species lived in Hadar, Ethiopia 4.0-3.0 million years...
Which hominin species, living approximately 3.5 million years ago with...
What hominid species had a brain size of 410cc, primitive skull form...
Approximately how many years ago did Australopithecus garhi, known as...
Around 2.5 million years ago, a fossil with a 440cc brain size...
Which hominin species is characterized by a height still
Approximately when did Archaic Homo sapiens first appear?
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