COPY: Deliberate Disposal of the Dead

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

The Dinaledi chamber is considered a unique depositional setting primarily because:

It is easily accessible, allowing for frequent deposition events.
It contains a mix of hominin and animal fossils, reflecting typical cave ecosystems.
Geological evidence indicates that water frequently flowed through the chamber.
It exclusively contains the remains of Homo Naledi, with an absence of other animal fossils. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the physical characteristics of Homo Naledi?

Exclusively primitive ape-like features, similar to early hominids, with a brain size significantly smaller than modern humans.
Large brain size exceeding that of modern humans, combined with primitive ape-like features.
A mix of primitive ape-like features and advanced human-like features, with a brain size less than half that of modern humans. (correct)
Exclusively human-like features, with a brain size similar to modern humans, but with a smaller body size.

The research team rejected water action as a possible explanation for the presence of Homo Naledi remains in the Dinaledi chamber because:

Geological evidence indicates that water has never flowed through the Dinaledi chamber. (correct)
The chamber is located at too high an altitude for water to reach it.
The chamber is completely sealed off from any external water sources.
The bones show signs of water damage and erosion.

The absence of which of the following in the Dinaledi chamber argues against the 'occupation' hypothesis as an explanation for the presence of Homo Naledi remains?

Stone tools, meals, and cultural debris. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do researchers believe carnivore activity is an unlikely explanation for the accumulation of Homo Naledi remains in the Dinaledi chamber?

The difficult access to the chamber and the lack of carnivore tooth marks on the bones. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the geological evidence of multiple depositional episodes argue against the 'accidental deaths' hypothesis?

Multiple depositional episodes over many years make repeated accidental deaths unlikely. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Homo Naledi remains in the Dinaledi chamber is similar to typical human cemeteries?

The overabundance of remains from very young and very old individuals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement: 'It looks the same because they are all related to each other' in the context of the Homo Naledi discovery?

It suggests that the Homo Naledi individuals were from a single, related Homo Naledi group. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The argument that Homo Naledi were murdered by humans is refuted by the fact that:

The Dinaledi chamber predates the earliest appearance of Homo sapiens in Africa. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the proposed systematic disposal of the dead by Homo Naledi in the Dinaledi chamber suggest about their cognitive abilities and social structures?

It potentially shows complex social bonds and a possible understanding of mortality, despite having a small brain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dinaledi Chamber Uniqueness

Exclusively contains Homo Naledi remains, without other animal fossils.

Homo Naledi Characteristics

A mix of ape-like and human-like features, with a small brain.