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?

Findings from the Taung child Signup and view all the answers

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

Manual dexterity with opposable thumbs. Signup and view all the answers

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

Primates develop individual personality traits. Signup and view all the answers

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

It thrived in a woody grassland environment Signup and view all the answers

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

They provide insight into its diet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is not associated with primates?

Presence of claws instead of nails. Signup and view all the answers

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

Large canine teeth Signup and view all the answers

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

High selection pressures exist Signup and view all the answers

What role does mutation play in evolution?

It is a source of genetic variation Signup and view all the answers

How does gene flow impact a population?

It can increase allele frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the founder effect in terms of genetic drift?

A small group establishes a new population Signup and view all the answers

What defines fitness in evolutionary biology?

The ability to survive and pass on genes Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of non-random mating?

Shift in genotype frequencies Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about genetic drift is true?

It can lead to random changes in allele frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from a bottleneck effect?

Loss of genetic variability Signup and view all the answers

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

It increases the frequency of lactase transcription. Signup and view all the answers

What does polygenic inheritance involve?

Inheritance of traits that involves multiple genes. Signup and view all the answers

What does population genetics study?

How allele frequencies change over time. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state?

The original proportions of allele frequencies remain constant if evolution is NOT occurring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about convergent evolution?

It involves independent evolution of similar features in different lineages. Signup and view all the answers

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

P + Q = 1 Signup and view all the answers

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

Phenotypic differences among species. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gene pool' refer to?

All genes and different alleles in a population. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes obligate bipedalism from other types?

It is the only efficient method of locomotion. Signup and view all the answers

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

An S-shaped curve in the lumbar spine. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the abductor muscles play in bipedalism?

They stabilize the body when weight is distributed on one leg. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the femoral neck uniquely structured in bipeds?

To reduce stress from top weight pressing down. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of bipedalism?

Use of grasping toes for climbing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of evolution?

Change over time or species changing over time. Signup and view all the answers

What does homology refer to in evolutionary biology?

Similar structures in different species due to shared descent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of vestigial organs?

Whale hip bones Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the genetic relationship between species?

Similar DNA sequences indicate closeness in relation. Signup and view all the answers

What predicted the existence of the first tetrapod?

The prediction that it existed roughly 375 million years ago. Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased risk of back injuries and varicose veins. Signup and view all the answers

Why is evolution described as testable and predictive?

It suggests future findings based on current evidence. Signup and view all the answers

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

Similar embryonic structures in vertebrates. Signup and view all the answers

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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.