1. It has been hypothesized that Neandertals are actually related to modern Homo sapiens. If this is the case, what evolutionary forces would have acted to maintain genetic continuity between the two populations, while at the same time allowing for the development of distinct Neandertal traits?
A) genetic drift and mutation
B) gene flow and natural selection
C) genetic drift and gene flow
D) mutation and natural selection
E) mutation and gene flow
Answer: c
Feedback: The initial separation and morphological divergence of Neandertal populations would have been a result of isolation and genetic drift. The maintenance of genetic continuity between Neandertal and modern Homo sapiens populations would have been a result of low levels of gene flow.
Back to TopThe Evolution and Classification of Species
1. Homo erectus was present in Africa for over one million years. During this time they underwent little morphological change essentially experiencing a long period of stasis. Around 600 kya there was the sudden appearance of a new species in Africa, Homo heidelbergensis, that had evolved from Homo erectus. What mode of evolution is this type of speciation associated with?
A) phyletic gradualism
B) punctuated equilibrium
C) cladistics
D) gene flow
E) anagenesis
Answer: b
Feedback: Punctuated equilibrium states that species will undergo long periods of stasis with little morphological change punctuated with rapid periods of speciation.
2. In Europe between at least 300 kya to 28 kya we see the steady accumulation of distinct Neandertal features over time. What mode or tempo of evolution is this type of speciation associated with?
A) gradualism
B) punctuated equilibrium
C) cladogenesis
D) mutation
E) sympatric
Answer: a
Feedback: The slow accumulation of traits over time would be considered an example of gradual evolution.
Back to TopThe Primates
1. With the appearance of Homo erectus in hominin evolution there was a substantial reduction in sexual dimorphism compared to the earlier Australopithecine species. What could have been the significance of this reduction?
A) Signals entering into new environments
B) Females were becoming the dominant sex
C) Indicates a multimale/multifemale social structure
D) Increased group competition
E) Reduced level of group competition
Answer: e
Feedback: Groups with high levels of sexual dimorphism are often seen as having a higher degree of male-male competition within the group and can tend to have social structures that consist of uni-male or multimale/multifemal groups. A reduction in sexual dimorphism may have resulted in alterations to hominin social structure, with a reduced level of group competition and potentially with an increase in monogamous family groups.
Back to TopThe Human Species
1. KNM-WT 15000 has been suggested to be an eleven to twelve year old boy who stood 5'3". It has been estimated that this boy would have eventually reached six feet tall. What is the significance of this determination?
A) indicates increased sexual dimorphism
B) represents a modern growth trajectory
C) suggests increased nutritional intake
D) indicates lack of competition for resources
E) suggests the presence of a colder climate
Answer: b
Feedback: The estimation that the Nariokotome Boy would have reached 6' tall indicates that Homo erectus may have been the first hominin to present a modern growth trajectory with weights and statures that approach modern standards. This finding also suggests that sexual dimorphism was also approaching modern standards, which in turn has strong implications for social organization.
Back to TopThe Beginnings of Human Evolution
1. Australopithecus afarensis, known as a gracile Australopithecine, was present in East Africa between 4 - 2.9 mya. In general the Australopithecines present a more ape-like morphology than later Homo. What morphological features of the skull, paying particular attention to the face and teeth, can you discern that reflect our ape ancestry?
A) large protruding face (facial prognathism), projecting canines, small brain
B) small incisors, rounded frontal
C) rounded frontal, projecting brow ridge, small brain
D) large projecting canines, small cheek teeth
E) small brain, reduced facial prognathism, post orbital constriction
Answer: a
Feedback: A. afarensis specimens have a cranial capacity range of 380-485cc with an average of about 415cc and have large projecting canines (although they are smaller than most apes).
2. Perhaps the most well known of Australopithecine fossils is the skeleton of Lucy (AL 288-1). Lucy is a female specimen of A.afarensis, and was approximately 3'3" tall and weighed around 60 lbs. What aspects of the postcranial skeleton of Lucy (AL 288-1) display an ape-like morphology?
A) short, stocky limbs; wide, flaring pelvis
B) curved phalanges, long legs, divergent big toe
C) relatively long arms, barrel shaped rib cage, curved phalanges
D) cone shaped rib cage; curved phalanges; relatively long arms
E) wide, flaring pelvis; curved phalanges; cone shaped rib cage
Answer: d
Feedback: Lucy possesses relatively long arms; both the phalanges of her feet and hands (i.e. fingers and toes) are curved; her rib cage is cone shaped rather than barrel shaped as in later Homo fossils.
3. What is the significance of the ape-like morphology of the postcranial skeleton?
A) indicates Lucy is closer related to chimpanzees than to Homo
B) indicates that A. afarensis was fully terrestrial
C) suggests Lucy was a knuckle walker
D) indicates that A. afarensis was an evolutionary dead end
E) indicates that A. afarensis still retained the ability to climb trees
Answer: e
Feedback: In all probability A. afarensis still spent a substantial amount of time off the ground. In other words A. afarensis was not fully committed to terrestrial bipedalism.
4. At the site of Laetoli, Tanzania, fossilized footprints were discovered that were dated to 3.8 mya and associated with A. afarensis. What is the significance of this discovery?
A) demonstrates that they had a divergent big toe
B) indicates monogamous family groups
C) indicates that they were tracking game animals
D) demonstrates that they had a well-developed bipedal gait
E) demonstrates that they traveled in large groups
Answer: d
Feedback: The footprints demonstrate that A. afarensis had a non-divergent big toe, a well-developed arch and had a heel strike gate. These factors, along with the spacing of the footprints indicate that A. afarensis had a well-developed bipedal gait, although they spent significant time in the trees.
5. Sts 5, dubbed Mrs. Ples, was discovered at Sterkfontein, South Africa by John Robinson and Robert Broom. A. africanus was present between 3 - 2.5 mya and is a potential descendant of A. afarensis. What features of the face differentiate A. africanus from the earlier A. afarensis?
A) shorter face with less facial prognathism
B) longer face with increased facial prognathism
C) large projecting brow ridges
D) dish shaped face
E) presence of post-orbital constriction
Answer: a
Feedback: Although they still have significant prognathism when compared to later Homo.
6. What features of the dentition of A. africanus differentiates this species from A. afarensis?
A) increased prognathism, larger anterior dentition
B) larger anterior dentition, decreased prognathism
C) presence of a diastema, increased canines
D) reduced anterior dentition, decreased prognathism
E) decrease prognathism, presence of a diastema
Answer: d
Feedback: A. africanus has a reduced anterior dentition, which is associated with the decrease in facial prognathism. Also if they were present the canines are relatively short, with little sexual dimorphism.
7. Can you see any differences in the zygomatic bone between the two Australopithecines?
A) reduced in A, africanus
B) long and strongly built in A. afarensis
C) short but strongly built in A. africanus
D) long and strongly built in A. africanus
E) short and strongly built in A. afarensis
Answer: d
Feedback: The zygomatic arch is long and strongly built in A. africanus.
8. The fact that A. africanus's dentition was less specialized implies that there diet was:
A) more carnivorous
B) more vegetarian
C) based on fruit
D) more omnivorous
E) highly marine based
Answer: d
Feedback: A less specialized dentition is indicative of a more diverse or omnivorous diet.
9. What morphological features indicate the similarity of A. africanus to early Homo?
A) increased cranial capacity
B) rounded basicrania
C) greater basicranial flexion
D) decreased anterior dentition
E) increased cranial capacity, greater basicranial flexion AND decreased anterior dentition
Answer: e
Feedback: A. africanus has a range of 430 - 520cc with a mean of 440cc; reduction in the anterior dentition; greater basicranial flexion. Also not shown in the image fully bicuspid P3 and a deeper mandibular (glenoid) fossa.
10. The fossil OH 5 or Olduvai Hominid 5 was discovered by Mary and Louis Leakey in 1959 and given the name Zinjanthropus. This species, considered a robust Australopithecine, is also known as Paranthropus boisei. Present exclusively in East Africa between 1.8 - 1.2 mya, what features of the face and cheekbones indicate A. boisei as a robust Australopithecine?
A) dish shaped face; strong forward projecting zygomatic arch
B) dish shaped face; reduced zygomatic arch
C) long and narrow face; decreased facial prognathism
D) strong forward projecting zygomatic arch; long and narrow face
E) long and narrow face; reduced zygomatic arch
Answer: a
Feedback: There is a strong forward projection of the cheekbones due to the long and powerfully built zygomatic arches that arise forward on the maxilla and flare outward. This also gives the face a concave or dish shape that is common to the robust forms.
11. Australopithecus boisei continues a similar dental pattern to A. africanus, with a reduction in the size of the anterior dentition (canines and incisors) but has an even greater emphasis on the cheek teeth with the premolars almost completely moralized. What can this dental pattern along with the robust nature of the mandible and presence of a sagittal crest tell you about the diet of A. boisei?
A) they consumed large amounts of meat
B) they focused on leaves
C) they ate harder more fibrous vegetal foods
D) they ate large amounts of fish
E) they ate harder nuts and seeds
Answer: c
Feedback: The sagittal crest reflects greater emphasis on the anterior fibres of the temporalis muscles and along with the other morphological evidence suggests the ability to apply substantial amounts of force during chewing. This indicates that A. boisei, consumed harder, more fibrous vegetal foods, possibly with an emphasis on fruit.
12. This robust Australopithecine species is found in South Africa between 1.8 - 1.2 mya. Like Australopithecus boisei some authorities refer to this specimen as Paranthropus to indicate the close kinship shared by the robust Australopithecine forms and separating them from the gracile Australopithecines. What features of the face does Australopithecus robustus share with Australopithecus boisei?
A) reduced facial prognathism
B) wide, flaring zygomatic arches
C) reduction of the cheek teeth
D) dish shaped face
E) wide, flaring zygomatic arches and dish shaped face
Answer: e
Feedback: Powerfully built widely flaring zygomatic arches and a dish shaped face.
13. Are there characters of the cranium that are similar between the two robust species?
A) sagital crest; high frontal
B) occipital bun; high frontal
C) high frontal; pronounced postorbital constriction
D) large projecting brow ridges; occipital bun
E) pronounced postorbital constriction; sagital crest
Answer: e
Feedback: The both share an anteriorly placed sagital crest and pronounced postorbital constriction.
14. If you look at the posterior portion of the skulls are there any similarities?
A) presence of a nuchal crest
B) sharply angled occipital
C) occipital bun
D) elongated occipital
E) rounded occipital
Answer: b
Feedback: The both have a sharply angled occipital bone.
15. If A. robustus had a similar fibrous, vegetal diet as A. boisei what would you expect the anterior dentition to look like?
A) reduced size of cheek teeth
B) increased anterior dentition
C) reduced anterior dentition
D) large projecting canines
E) reduced size of cheek teeth AND increased anterior dentition
Answer: c
Feedback: Due to an increased emphasis on the cheek teeth you would expect the anterior dentition to be reduced relative to the premolars and molars.
16. When examining both the robust and gracile forms of Australopithecines is there any feature that suggests the robust forms are closer related to the Homo lineage?
A) large check teeth
B) increased cranial capacity
C) postorbital constriction
D) wide dished face
E) large check teeth AND postorbital constriction
Answer: b
Feedback: The only feature that could possibly suggest a closer affinity of early Homo to the robust Australopithecines is their greater cranial capacity. The robust forms have a range of 500 - 545 cc, with an average of 520cc.
17. Why is A. africanus considered closer related to early Homo than A. robustus or A. boisei?
A) share similar diet
B) increased cranial capacity
C) the facial and dental structure
D) they are both bipedal
E) the shape of the pelvis
Answer: c
Feedback: Although, brain expansion is a key factor in hominin evolutionary history, the facial and dental structure of the gracile Australopithecines provides a more plausible evolutionary path to Homo. The greater cranial capacity of the robust forms is considered a result of parallel evolution.
Back to TopThe Origin of the Genus Homo
1. KNM-ER 1470 once belonged to the taxon Homo habilis, represented here by the fossils KNM-ER 1813 and OH 24, but is now considered a separate species, Homo rudolfensis. What features of the face and cranium can you identify that distinguish KNM-ER 1470 from the Homo habilis specimens?
A) long face that is broad across the orbits; face projects below the nose; increased cranial capacity
B) face projects below the nose; strong projecting brow ridge; short face that is narrow across the orbits
C) increased cranial capacity; short face that is narrow across the orbits; strong projecting brow ridge
D) short face that is narrow across the orbits; increased cranial capacity; face projects below the nose
E) face is flattened below the nose; long face that is broad across the orbits; increased cranial capacity
Answer: e
Feedback: Face is flattened below the nose; relatively long face that is broad across the orbits; increased cranial capacity (742cc)
2. What are the differences in the dentition of these two species?
A) larger cheek teeth in Homo rudolfensis
B) smaller cheek teeth in Homo rudolfensis
C) larger cheek teeth in Homo habilis
D) large projecting canines in Homo habilis
E) large projecting canines in Homo rudolfensis
Answer: a
Feedback: Homo rudolfensis has larger cheek teeth, molars and premolars, in relation to Homo habilis.
3. What morphological features do the Homo habilis fossils KNM-ER 1813 and OH 24 share that distinguishes them from Homo rudolfensis?
A) long face that is broad across the orbits; face projects below the nose; reduced cranial capacity
B) face projects below the nose; strong projecting brow ridge; short face that is narrow across the orbits; reduced cranial capacity
C) increased cranial capacity; short face that is narrow across the orbits; strong projecting brow ridge
D) short face that is narrow across the orbits; increased cranial capacity; face projects below the nose
E) face is flattened below the nose; long face that is broad across the orbits; increased cranial capacity
Answer: b
Feedback: Face projects below the nose; strong projecting brow ridge; short face that is narrow across the orbits; reduced cranial capacity (510cc for KNM-ER 1813).
4. Two major trends in hominin evolution have been the gradual reduction in the size of the dentition along with increasing cranial capacity. Based on these two trends either Homo habilis or Homo rudolfensis could present a possible ancestor to later Homo erectus populations. What features would have to be emphasized for Homo habilis to be considered ancestral to later Homo?
A) increased cranial capacity
B) facial and dental reduction
C) increased facial prognathism
D) increased size of the cheek teeth
E) projecting brow ridges
Answer: b
Feedback: Neither Homo habilis or Homo rudolfensis presents the perfect morphological pattern to be considered ancestral to Homo erectus. However, if facial and dental reduction are emphasized then Homo habilis is the better choice.
5. What features would have to be emphasized for Homo rudolfensis to be considered ancestral to later Homo?
A) increased cranial capacity
B) facial and dental reduction
C) increased facial prognathism
D) increased size of the cheek teeth
E) projecting brow ridges
Answer: a
Feedback: Neither Homo habilis or Homo rudolfensis presents the perfect morphological pattern to be considered ancestral to Homo erectus. However, if brain expansion is considered the most important evolutionary factor, than Homo rudolfensis with its cranial capacity of 752cc is the more plausible ancestor.
6. Discovered at Koobi Fora, Kenya and dated to 1.78 mya, KNM-ER 3733 is one of the very first members of the species Homo erectus (some authors refer to this specimen as Homo ergaster). What morphological features of the cranium can you see that distinguish Homo erectus from other fossil species, particularly early Homo?
A) reduced brow ridges, postorbital constriction, increased cranial capacity
B) low receding frontal; supraorbital sulcus; highly angled occipital
C) pronounced occipital torus; large projecting brow ridges; increased cranial capacity
D) large flaring zygomatics; high frontal; rounded occipital
E) low receding frontal; supraorbital sulcus; highly angled occipital AND pronounced occipital torus; large projecting brow ridges; increased cranial capacity
Answer: e
Feedback: The presence of large, forwardly projecting browridges (supraorbital torus), a supraorbital sulcus (groove behind the browridge), a low receding frontal, a highly angulated occipital bone with a pronounced occipital torus and an increase in cranial capacity, (KNM-ER = 848cc, Homo erectus mean = 958cc) are all characteristic of Homo erectus.
7. Homo erectus is identified by a suite of morphological characters, what features in the cranium can you discern from this fossil specimen that you could not see in the image of KNM-ER 3733?
A) a wide a short cranium; pronounced post orbital constriction; increased cranial capacity
B) presence of a sagital keel; the skull is narrow at the base and wide at the apex; increased cranial capacity
C) the skull is narrow at the base and wide at the apex; pronounced post orbital constriction; a wide short cranium
D) long and low vaulted cranium; the greatest width at the base; presence of a sagital keel
E) the greatest width is at the base; long and low vaulted cranium; large projecting brow ridges
Answer: d
Feedback: The braincase is long and low vaulted, the greatest breadth is near the base, and there is the presence of a sagittal keel.
8. Looking at the face and mandible of Peking Man and KNM-ER 3733 what differences can you see?
A) a long and narrow face; presence of a chin
B) presence of a chin; alveolar prognathism
C) alveolar prognathism; a short and wide face
D) a short and wide face; narrow orbits
E) narrow orbits; alveolar prognathism
Answer: c
Feedback: The face of Peking Man is short from top to bottom but relatively wide and there is pronounced alveolar prognathism.
9. Discovered at Nariokotome (West Turkana), Kenya, KNM-WT 15000 is more commonly known as the Nariokotome Boy. The Nariokotome skeleton dates to around 1.5 mya. When you compare the skeleton of KNM-WT 15000 to that of Lucy what major differences in skeletal structure are apparent, pay particular attention to the pelvic region and the chest?
A) KNM-WT 15000 has a broad hip region and a barrel shaped chest
B) Lucy has a narrow pelvis and cone shaped rib cage
C) Lucy has a broad pelvis and a barrel shaped chest
D) KNM-WT 15000 has a narrow hip region and a cone shaped chest
E) KNM-WT 15000 has a narrow hip region and a barrel shaped chest
Answer: e
Feedback: KNM-WT 15000 has a very narrow hip region, particularly between the crests of the iliac blades, and a barrel shaped chest; whereas, Lucy had a much broader pelvis and a cone shaped rib cage.
10. What are the implications of a narrower pelvis on hominin development?
A) reduces amount of brain growth prior to birth
B) chronic hip problems
C) reduced infant dependency
D) restricted birth canal
E) reduces amount of brain growth prior to birth AND restricted birth canal
Answer: e
Feedback: A narrower pelvis would have restricted the birth canal, subsequently forcing a reduction in the amount of brain growth prior to birth. In theory this would have resulted in a longer period of infant dependency after birth, an important characteristic in child development.
11. An examination of human variability demonstrates that different body types are adapted to different environments. How does the skeleton of KNM-WT 15000 demonstrate this principle?
A) it is short and stocky
B) it is adapted for tree climbing
C) it is adapted to the cold
D) it is long and linear
E) it lacks a tail
Answer: d
Feedback: The body type was long and linear, similar to that of human populations that inhabit dry savannah environments. This body type can therefore be assumed to have been adapted for heat stress in a hot and dry savannah as they began to inhabit diverse ecological settings.
12. KNM-WT 15000 has been suggested to be an eleven to twelve year old boy who stood 5'3". It has been estimated that this boy would have eventually reached six feet tall. What is the significance of this determination?
A) indicates increased sexual dimorphism
B) represents a modern growth trajectory
C) suggests increased nutritional intake
D) indicates lack of competition for resources
E) suggests the presence of a colder climate
Answer: b
Feedback: The estimation that the Nariokotome Boy would have reached 6' tall indicates that Homo erectus may have been the first hominin to present a modern growth trajectory with weights and statures that approach modern standards. This finding also suggests that sexual dimorphism was also approaching modern standards, which in turn has strong implications for social organization.
13. Homo heidelbergensis arose in Africa around 600 kya and is represented by fossils from Africa (Bodo, Broken Hill, Elandsfontein), Europe (Petralona, Arago, Mauer) and possibly Asia (Dali, Jinnuishan). What features are prominent in the face and frontal of the Broken Hill fossil?
A) thick browridges
B) large face
C) flat receding frontal
D) increased cranial capacity
E) all of these
Answer: e
Feedback: Broken Hill contains a massive face, thick browridges, and a flat receding frontal. Broken Hill also has an increased cranial capacity (~1280cc). These features are characteristic of Homo heidelbergensis.
14. If you examine the rear of the skull, i.e. the occipital, what features are prominent?
A) occipital bun
B) great basal breadth
C) vertically oriented occipital
D) occipital torus
E) all but occipital bun
Answer: e
Feedback: Broken Hill has a relatively great basal breadth, a vertical orientation of the occipital, and an occipital torus.
15. Homo heidelbergensis is defined by a morphological pattern that is a mix of primitive characteristics that are reminiscent of Homo erectus and derived characters which separate it from this group but do not align it with Homo sapiens. Compare the Broken Hill specimen with any of the three Homo erectus fossils and a modern Homo sapiens. What characteristics can you identify that are primitive and shared with Homo erectus?
A) projecting brow ridges; slight midline keeling; marked postorbital constriction
B) large face; presence of a chin; flattened frontal
C) reduced dentition; postorbital constriction
D) facial prognathism; large face; occipital bun
E) flattened frontal; marked flexion of the basicrania
Answer: a
Feedback: Primitive characteristics shared with Homo erectus are: thickened and projecting brow ridges, a flattened frontal with slight midline keeling, marked postorbital constriction, and a large face.
16. What characters of Broken Hill are more derived?
A) facial prognathism; occipital bun; postorbital constriction
B) increased cranial capacity; crested anterior nasal sill; marked flexion of the basicrania
C) crested anterior nasal sill; increased anterior dentition
D) occipital bun; increased cranial capacity; pronounced brow ridge
E) marked flexion of the basicrania; flaring zygomatics; rounded occipital
Answer b
Feedback: Increased cranial capacity; crested anterior nasal sill; marked flexion of the basicrania. Other derived features include a lengthening of the frontal and parietal arcs, the presence of a sphenoid spine, a high and arched temporal squama, a vertically oriented "crista nasalis" and an incisive canal that opens anteriorly on the palate. (Note not all of these features are observable on the images).
17. Based on the characteristics that define Homo heidelbergensis as a distinct species, what subsequent groups are they hypothesized to be ancestral to?
A) Homo erectus
B) Homo ergaster
C) Homo habilis
D) Homo neanderthalensis
E) Homo antecessor
Answer: d
Feedback. Homo heidelbergensis is hypothesized to be ancestral to Homo neanderthalensis.
18. The Neandertals have been a much-studied group of fossils. They were present throughout Europe and the Middle East between 150 - 28 kya. The current consensus based on both genetic and morphological analysis is that Neandertals represent a separate species, Homo neanderthalensis, from modern Homo sapiens. What are some of the autapomorphic (uniquely derived) characteristics of the Neandertal face that differentiate them from modern Homo sapiens?
A) midfacial prognathism; an inflated maxillary region; rounded supraorbital ridges; retromolar space
B) increased cranial capacity; large nasal cavity
C) rounded supraorbital ridges; postorbital constriction; midfacial prognathism
D) postorbital constriction; presence of a chin; increased cranial capacity
E) retromolar space; large nasal cavity; alveolar prognathism
Answer: a
Feedback: Midfacial prognathism and an inflated maxillary region, rounded supraorbital ridges, and a retromolar space.
19. The Neandertals lived in Europe during a time of extreme cold and glacial encroachment, what features of the Neandertal face have been hypothesised to be a result of adaptation to a cold environment?
A) large nasal cavity
B) projecting brow ridges
C) small external auditory meatus
D) occipital bun
E) retromolar space
Answer: a
Feedback: The large nasal cavity is thought to reflect the presence of a large nose and larger sinus cavities.
20. How did this feature adapt Neandertals to the cold?
A) allowed better sense of smell
B) made breathing easier
C) warm and humidify air
D) trapped more dirt particles
E) enhanced sense of taste
Answer: c
Feedback: It is hypothesized that the larger nose and sinus cavity would act to warm and humidify the cold, dry air that Neandertals would have been breathing.
21. How does the structure of the Neandertal postcranial skeleton (see Ch 14) reflect the Neandertal adaptation to the cold?
A) it is short and stocky
B) it is adapted for tree climbing
C) it has a wider pelvis
D) it is long and linear
E) it has a reduced number of vertebrae
Answer: a
Feedback: The Neandertals had short and stocky bodies, with shortened extremities.
22. What rules do the Neandertal adaptations to the cold follow?
A) Newton's Law
B) Hardy-Weinberg
C) Law of independent assortment
D) Bergmann's and Allen's
E) None of these
Answer: d
Feedback: This type of body shape adaptation follows both Bergmann's and Allen's rules. Both adaptations are a result of retaining heat in a cold environment.
23. It has been hypothesized that Neandertals are actually related to modern Homo sapiens. If this is the case, what evolutionary forces would have acted to maintain genetic continuity between the two populations, while at the same time allowing for the development of distinct Neandertal traits?
A) genetic drift and mutation
B) gene flow and natural selection
C) genetic drift and gene flow
D) mutation and natural selection
E) mutation and gene flow
Answer: c
Feedback: The initial separation and morphological divergence of Neandertal populations would have been a result of isolation and genetic drift. The maintenance of genetic continuity between Neandertal and modern Homo sapiens populations would have been a result of low levels of gene flow.
24. SH 5 is one of many very impressive fossils discovered at the site of Sima de los Huesos (The Pit of Bones), Spain. SH 5 dates to 300 kya and has been assigned to the species Homo neanderthalensis even though it does not reflect all the Neandertal characteristics. What Neandertal characters can you observe on the temporal and occipital bones of this fossil?
A) flattened occipital; prominent temporal lines
B) suprainiac fossa on the occipital torus; large mastoid process
C) large mastoid process; occipital bun
D) prominent temporal lines; suprainiac fossa on the occipital torus
E) occipital bun; flattened occipital
Answer: b
Feedback: suprainiac fossa on the occipital torus; large mastoid process. SH 5 possess an incipient suprainiac fossa (an elliptical, depressed area of roughened bone) over the occipital torus, and large mastoid processes.
25. What Neandertal character can you see in the face?
A) midfacial prognathism
B) projecting brow ridges
C) flaring zygomatic arches
D) pronounced supraorbital torus
E) all of these
Answer: a
Feedback: Midfacial prognathism is evident in the face.
26. What Neandertal characters can you discern in the dentition?
A) large projecting canines; small cheek teeth
B) retromolar space; cheek teeth that are large relative to the anterior dentition
C) cheek teeth that are large relative to the anterior dentition; large projecting canines
D) anterior teeth that are large relative to the cheek teeth; retromolar space
E) large projecting canines; small cheek teeth AND retromolar space; cheek teeth that are large relative to the anterior dentition
Answer: d
Feedback: Anterior teeth that are large relative to the cheek teeth; retromolar space are evident in the dentition.
27. What features of the SH 5 cranium demonstrate its association with more primitive hominins, i.e Homo heidelbergensis and Homo erectus?
A) sagital keel; thick supraorbital torus
B) large mastoid process; occipital bun
C) maximum breadth of skull near apex; postorbital constriction
D) reduced cranial capacity; maximum breadth of the skull near the base
E) sagital keel; thick supraorbital torus AND reduced cranial capacity; maximum breadth of the skull near the base
Answer: e
Feedback: SH 5 possesses a slight sagital keel, maximum breadth of the skull near the base, thick supraorbital torus, a cranial capacity of 1125 cc that is more similar to Homo heidelbergensis and later Homo erectus than to the Neandertal average of 1450cc.
Back to TopHuman Adaptation
1. An examination of human variability demonstrates that different body types are adapted to different environments. How does the skeleton of KNM-WT 15000 demonstrate this principle?
A) it is short and stocky
B) it is adapted for tree climbing
C) it is adapted to the cold
D) it is long and linear
E) it lacks a tail
Answer: d
Feedback: The body type was long and linear, similar to that of human populations that inhabit dry savannah environments. This body type can therefore be assumed to have been adapted for heat stress in a hot and dry savannah as they began to inhabit diverse ecological settings.
2. The Neandertals lived in Europe during a time of extreme cold and glacial encroachment, what features of the Neandertal face have been hypothesised to be a result of adaptation to a cold environment?
A) large nasal cavity
B) projecting brow ridges
C) small external auditory meatus
D) occipital bun
E) retromolar space
Answer: a
Feedback: The large nasal cavity is thought to reflect the presence of a large nose and larger sinus cavities.
3. How did this feature adapt Neandertals to the cold?
A) allowed better sense of smell
B) made breathing easier
C) warm and humidify air
D) trapped more dirt particles
E) enhanced sense of taste
Answer: c
Feedback: It is hypothesised that the larger nose and sinus cavity would act to warm and humidify the cold, dry air that Neandertals would have been breathing.
4. How does the structure of the Neandertal postcranial skeleton (see Ch 14) reflect the Neandertal adaptation to the cold?
A) it is short and stocky
B) it is adapted for tree climbing
C) it has a wider pelvis
D) it is long and linear
E) it has a reduced number of vertebrae
Answer: a
Feedback: The Neandertals had short and stocky bodies, with shortened extremities.
5. What rules do these adaptations follow?
A) Newton's Law
B) Hardy-Weinberg
C) Law of independent assortment
D) Bergmann's and Allen's
E) None of these
Answer: d
Feedback: This type of body shape adaptation follows both Bergmann's and Allen's rules. Both adaptations are a result of retaining heat in a cold environment.Back to Top
