ANTH 1 Final Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is nicknamed 'Lucy's baby'?

Recently, fossil remains of a three-year-old child.

What is the most famous Australopithecus africanus?

Taung child

What is Turkana Boy also called?

Nariokotome Boy

Who is the best-known Neanderthal that survived several injuries?

Shanidar 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is La Chapelle aux Saints known for?

It was discovered to be an elderly Neanderthal. Signup and view all the answers

What do Omo 1 and 2 represent?

First modern peoples fossils Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between robust and gracile australopithecines?

Robust australopithecines have larger molars. Signup and view all the answers

What species does Australopithecus afarensis belong to?

Gracile australopithecine Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range of Australopithecus afarensis?

3.5-2.6 million years old Signup and view all the answers

What are some key features of Australopithecus africanus?

Foramen magnum, small canine teeth, large broad molars Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a robust australopithecine?

Australopithecus robustus Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Homo habilis?

First species associated with the use of stone tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range of Homo erectus?

1.8 million to 300,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

What technology is associated with Neandertals?

Mousterian technology Signup and view all the answers

What does the Out of Africa theory propose?

Modern humans evolved in Africa and spread to other continents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Homo sapiens neanderthalensis?

They were adapted to cold climates. Signup and view all the answers

Define Bergmann's and Allen's rules.

Bergmann's rule suggests larger body mass in colder climates, while Allen's rule suggests longer limbs in warmer climates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'Anatomical modernity'?

Physical traits distinguishing modern humans from older hominins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of Homo floresiensis?

Diminutive size Signup and view all the answers

What was the evolutionary significance of Lucy?

A key fossil representing Australopithecus afarensis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Australopithecines

Gracile australopithecines (e.g., A. afarensis, A. africanus) are characterized by lighter build, smaller teeth, and varied diets; robust forms (e.g., A. robustus, A. boisei) are more robust, with larger teeth and specialized for tough vegetation.
Australopithecus afarensis is a key early ancestor, found in East Africa, about 3.5-2.6 million years old, with brain size comparable to modern chimpanzees.
Australopithecus africanus, from South Africa, shows features indicating upright posture, lived about 3-2 million years ago, and had a small cranial capacity.
Australopithecus boisei, discovered in Olduvai Gorge, had robust cranial traits and large teeth, living around 1.75 million years ago.
Australopithecus robustus, from South Africa, is about 2-1.5 million years old, shares robust traits, and possibly descended from A. afarensis.

Early Homo Species

Homo habilis represents the first species of the genus Homo, lived 2.4-1.4 million years ago, known for significant brain size increase and use of stone tools, primarily scavenging rather than hunting.
Homo erectus/ergaster, existing from 1.8 million to 300,000 years ago, was the first to migrate out of Africa; it had a more human-like body ratio and advanced tools known as the Acheulian Complex.

Neanderthals and Their Culture

Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, existing from 130,000 to 30,000 years ago, adapted to cold climates, utilized Mousterian stone tools, and displayed signs of culture, including burial rituals and potential symbolic behavior.
Evidence suggests Neanderthals were not extinct but assimilated into modern human populations due to interbreeding.

Unique Human Ancestors

Homo floresiensis, dubbed the "Hobbit," was a small human-like species found in Indonesia, potentially misclassified; existed alongside modern humans.
Homo sapiens sapiens, modern humans, had advanced technology and symbolic behavior, spreading globally from Africa approximately 200,000 years ago.

Tools and Technological Advances

Lomewki technology (3.3 million years ago) represents the oldest stone tools, possibly linked to early human ancestors.
Oldowan tools (2.5 million years ago) marked the start of tool use by Homo habilis.
Acheulean technology introduced more refined stone tools around 1.7 million years ago, primarily associated with Homo erectus.
Upper Paleolithic period (10,000 years ago) saw finely crafted tools reflecting early modern human technological advances.

Evolutionary Theories

Out of Africa theory posits modern humans evolved in Africa and replaced archaic populations, while Multiregional theory suggests regional development without replacement.
Genetic studies show greater variation in African populations, supporting the Out of Africa hypothesis.

Agricultural Developments

Around 10,000 years ago, agriculture began, significantly altering diets and lifestyles.
Advantages of domestication include population support and food surplus; disadvantages encompass environmental degradation and health-related issues.

Anatomy and Physiology

Various anatomical features differentiate human ancestors: cranial capacity, robusticity, and postures indicate evolutionary adaptations.
Bergmann's and Allen's rules describe body size adaptations to climate, exemplified by Neanderthals' robust physiques in cold habitats.

Notable Fossils

Significant fossils reveal evolutionary history, including Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), Turkana Boy (Homo erectus youth), and Shanidar fossils (Neanderthals), showcasing survival and potential care among hominins.
Omo fossils represent early modern human remains crucial for understanding human evolution.

This collection of notes encapsulates the evolution of early human ancestors and their cultural and technological advancements.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between robust and gracile australopithecines in this ANTH 1 Final flashcard quiz. Learn about key members of the genus Australopithecus and their impact on human evolution. Perfect for students preparing for their anthropology exam.