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Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTaylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate DiversityProblem 9
Chapter 19, Problem 9

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.

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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.
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Evidence of Evolution Example 1

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.
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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.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following correctly lists possible ancestors of humans from the oldest to the most recent?

a. Homo erectus, Australopithecus, Homo habilis

b. Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus

c. Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Homo habilis

d. Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis

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Textbook Question

Which of these is not a member of the anthropoids?

a. Chimpanzee

b. Tarsier

c. Human

d. New World monkey

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Textbook Question

Studies of DNA support which of the following?

a. Members of the group called australopiths were the first to migrate from Africa.

b. Homo sapiens originated in Africa.

c. Sahelanthropus was the earliest hominin.

d. Chimpanzees are more similar to gorillas and orangutans than to humans.

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Textbook Question
Compare the adaptations of amphibians and reptiles for terrestrial life.
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Textbook Question
Birds and mammals are both endothermic, and both have four-chambered hearts. Most reptiles are ectothermic and have three-chambered hearts. Why don't biologists group birds with mammals? Why do most biologists now consider birds to be reptiles?
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Textbook Question

One of the misconceptions about human evolution is expressed in the question 'If chimpanzees were our ancestors, then why do chimpanzees still exist?' Use Figure 19.10A to explain the answer.

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