The earliest members of the genus Homo
a. Had a larger brain compared to other hominins.
b. Probably hunted dinosaurs.
c. Lived about 4 million years ago.
d. Were the first hominins to be bipedal.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the genus Homo: The genus Homo includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and their closest extinct relatives. Members of this genus are characterized by traits such as larger brain size, tool use, and advanced cognitive abilities compared to earlier hominins.
2. Eliminate option b: Dinosaurs went extinct approximately 65 million years ago, long before the emergence of the genus Homo. Therefore, it is not possible that early Homo hunted dinosaurs.
3. Eliminate option c: The earliest members of the genus Homo appeared around 2.4 to 2.8 million years ago, not 4 million years ago. This timeframe aligns with fossil evidence of species like Homo habilis.
4. Eliminate option d: Bipedalism (walking on two legs) evolved earlier in hominin evolution, before the genus Homo. For example, Australopithecus afarensis (e.g., 'Lucy') exhibited bipedalism and lived around 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago.
5. Confirm option a: The earliest members of the genus Homo, such as Homo habilis, had a larger brain size compared to earlier hominins like Australopithecus. This increase in brain size is a defining characteristic of the genus Homo.

Key Concepts

Evolution of the Genus Homo

The genus Homo includes species characterized by larger brain sizes and more advanced tool use compared to earlier hominins. The evolution of Homo is marked by significant developments in cognitive abilities and social behaviors, which are crucial for understanding the adaptations that led to the emergence of modern humans.

Bipedalism

Bipedalism refers to the ability to walk on two legs, a key adaptation in human evolution. This trait allowed early hominins to travel longer distances efficiently and freed the hands for tool use and carrying objects, which played a significant role in the survival and development of the genus Homo.

Timeline of Hominin Evolution

The timeline of hominin evolution outlines the chronological development of various species within the human lineage. The earliest members of the genus Homo appeared approximately 2.5 million years ago, significantly later than 4 million years ago, which is when earlier hominins like Australopithecus existed, highlighting the importance of accurate dating in understanding human ancestry.