Primates and Australopithecus Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Richard Owen believed that humans should be categorized differently than primates because of what specific brain characteristic?

  • Humans have a more developed cerebellum.
  • Humans possess a larger hippocampus minor. (correct)
  • Humans have a smaller brain relative to body size.
  • Humans lack opposable thumbs.

What is the significance of the shape of the hyoid bone in Australopithecus garhi?

  • Suggests it had a larger brain
  • Indicates it was capable of speech
  • Proves it did not talk (correct)
  • Demonstrates bipedalism

What evidence emerged between 1984 and 1997 regarding the relationship between humans and certain apes?

  • DNA data revealed humans are most closely related to chimpanzees and bonobos. (correct)
  • DNA studies confirmed humans do not share a common ancestor with apes.
  • DNA data indicated humans are least related to all primates.
  • DNA analysis showed humans are most closely related to gorillas.

What feature challenges the notion that larger brain size is solely responsible for advanced cognitive abilities in Australopithecus?

<p>Findings from the Taung child (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Among the shared characteristics of primates, which trait emphasizes their ability to manipulate objects?

<p>Manual dexterity with opposable thumbs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant social aspect of primates that differentiates them from many other animals?

<p>Primates develop individual personality traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the habitat of Australopithecus africanus based on its fossil evidence?

<p>It thrived in a woody grassland environment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do the fossil findings at Sterkfontein cave contribute to our understanding of Australopithecus africanus?

<p>They provide insight into its diet. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is not associated with primates?

<p>Presence of claws instead of nails. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with Australopithecus garhi?

<p>Large canine teeth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition does NOT need to be met for the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to hold?

<p>High selection pressures exist (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does mutation play in evolution?

<p>It is a source of genetic variation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does gene flow impact a population?

<p>It can increase allele frequencies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the founder effect in terms of genetic drift?

<p>A small group establishes a new population (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines fitness in evolutionary biology?

<p>The ability to survive and pass on genes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of non-random mating?

<p>Shift in genotype frequencies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about genetic drift is true?

<p>It can lead to random changes in allele frequencies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from a bottleneck effect?

<p>Loss of genetic variability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the SNP in the enhancer site affect the lactase gene?

<p>It increases the frequency of lactase transcription. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does polygenic inheritance involve?

<p>Inheritance of traits that involves multiple genes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does population genetics study?

<p>How allele frequencies change over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state?

<p>The original proportions of allele frequencies remain constant if evolution is NOT occurring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about convergent evolution?

<p>It involves independent evolution of similar features in different lineages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What formula represents the relationship of allele frequencies in a population according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

<p>P + Q = 1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from changes in allele frequencies within a species?

<p>Phenotypic differences among species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gene pool' refer to?

<p>All genes and different alleles in a population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes obligate bipedalism from other types?

<p>It is the only efficient method of locomotion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature is essential for bipedalism in relation to balance?

<p>An S-shaped curve in the lumbar spine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the abductor muscles play in bipedalism?

<p>They stabilize the body when weight is distributed on one leg. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the femoral neck uniquely structured in bipeds?

<p>To reduce stress from top weight pressing down. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of bipedalism?

<p>Use of grasping toes for climbing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of evolution?

<p>Change over time or species changing over time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does homology refer to in evolutionary biology?

<p>Similar structures in different species due to shared descent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of vestigial organs?

<p>Whale hip bones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the genetic relationship between species?

<p>Similar DNA sequences indicate closeness in relation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What predicted the existence of the first tetrapod?

<p>The prediction that it existed roughly 375 million years ago. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of bipedalism according to evolutionary biology?

<p>Increased risk of back injuries and varicose veins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is evolution described as testable and predictive?

<p>It suggests future findings based on current evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of developmental similarities reflecting descent from a common ancestor?

<p>Similar embryonic structures in vertebrates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is evolution?

Evolution is the gradual change of species over time.

What is homology?

Homology is when different species have similar structures due to shared ancestry.

What are vestigial organs?

Vestigial organs are structures that were useful for ancestors but are no longer functional in modern organisms.

How does DNA evidence support evolution?

Similar DNA sequences indicate close evolutionary relationships between species.

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How do fossils support evolution?

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their changes over time.

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What are some evolutionary 'mistakes' in humans?

Humans, as evolved organisms, have some imperfections due to the limitations of evolution.

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What does the Tiktaalik fossil demonstrate?

The Tiktaalik fossil supports the prediction that the first four-limbed animals appeared around 375 million years ago.

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What is the significance of the question "What is man's place in nature?"

This question explores human's position within the natural world and their relationship with other species.

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SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

A variation in a single DNA nucleotide that can occur in a population. These variations can affect gene expression, potentially influencing traits.

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Lactase Persistence

The ability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, into adulthood. It's caused by variations in the lactase gene, leading to different levels of lactase production.

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Convergent Evolution

When two unrelated species develop similar traits independently due to similar environmental pressures.

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Polygenic Inheritance

A trait influenced by multiple genes, leading to a wide range of phenotypes.

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Population Genetics

The study of how allele frequencies change in a population over time.

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Gene Pool

All the genes and their different alleles found within a particular population.

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Allele Frequency

The relative proportion of a specific allele within a population.

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Hardy-Weinberg Principle

A mathematical model describing how allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from one generation to the next if no evolutionary forces are acting on the population.

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What is bipedalism?

Bipedalism is the ability to walk upright on two legs, a key characteristic of humans.

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What is obligate bipedalism?

Obligate bipedalism means an organism must walk on two legs because it's their only efficient way of moving.

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How does the skull adapt for bipedalism?

The foramen magnum, the hole where the spinal cord connects to the skull, shifts to the bottom center of the skull in bipeds, allowing the head to balance on top of the body.

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What is the significance of lumbar lordosis?

Lumbar lordosis is the S-shaped curve in the spine of bipeds, allowing for proper alignment of the head, neck, pelvis, and knees.

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How does the pelvis adapt for bipedalism?

Bipeds have a short, stout pelvis with iliac blades facing to the side, allowing for the attachment of powerful muscles for stability and balance.

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Conditions for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Large population size, random mating, no mutations, no gene flow (migration), and no natural selection. These conditions ensure that allele frequencies remain constant.

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Natural Selection

The process where individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce due to their advantageous traits. This changes the allele frequencies in a population.

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Mutation

A change in a cell's DNA sequence. Mutations create new alleles and are the ultimate source of genetic variation, though they occur at a slow rate.

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Genetic Drift

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies due to chance events, especially significant in small populations. It can lead to loss or fixation of alleles.

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Founder Effect

A specific type of genetic drift where a new population is established by a small number of individuals, whose gene pool might not be representative of the original population.

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Bottleneck Effect

A type of genetic drift where a population undergoes a sudden drastic reduction in size, like a natural disaster, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. The remaining individuals don't represent the original allele frequencies.

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What did Richard Owen believe about humans?

Richard Owen believed that humans were so different from other primates that they should be classified separately. He thought humans' large brains and unique structures (like the hippocampus minor) set us apart.

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How did Thomas Huxley challenge Owen?

Huxley, a strong supporter of Darwin, argued that Owen was wrong. He showed that great apes actually have similar brain structures to humans, challenging the idea that we are radically different.

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What makes primates unique?

Primates share a set of characteristics, including grasping hands, excellent vision, large brains, and long lifespans. These features helped them adapt to diverse environments and are seen in varying degrees across different primate species.

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How are humans related to chimpanzees?

DNA evidence revealed that humans and chimpanzees are closely related. Our last common ancestor likely looked similar to a chimpanzee, suggesting that we share a recent evolutionary history.

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Hyoid Bone and Language

The hyoid bone, located in the throat, plays a crucial role in human speech production. Its unique shape allows for complex tongue movements necessary for clear articulation.

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Australopithecus Garhi

Australopithecus garhi, an early hominin species, lived in East Africa approximately 2.5 million years ago. This species was characterized by a relatively small brain, a sagittal crest, and large teeth.

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Stone Tool Use?

While the association of stone tools with Australopithecus garhi is debated, it is significant because stone tool use was previously thought to be exclusive to the Homo genus.

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Taung Child

The Taung Child, discovered in 1924, was a crucial fossil find that provided early evidence of bipedalism in Australopithecus africanus. Its small brain size and small canine teeth, combined with its foramen magnum position, offered important insights into human evolution.

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Sterkfontein Cave

The Sterkfontein Cave, located in South Africa, yielded numerous Australopithecus africanus fossils, including 'Mrs. Ples'. This cave was crucial for understanding the evolution of this hominin species.

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Description

This quiz explores the distinctions between humans and primates, focusing on unique anatomical features and fossil evidence. Questions cover the significance of brain characteristics, the hyoid bone shape, and the social traits that define primates. Test your knowledge on key evolutionary aspects and what they reveal about our ancestors.

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