Physical Anthropology Quiz Questions & Answers

How much do you know about the Hominidae family?

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge on the fascinating family of primates with our quiz! Discover interesting facts about the Hominidae family, which includes humans and great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. From their evolutionary history to their current conservation status, this quiz covers i...

Test your knowledge on the fascinating family of primates with our quiz! Discover interesting facts about the Hominidae family, which includes humans and great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. From their evolutionary history to their current conservation status, this quiz covers it all. Find out how much you really know about these intelligent creatures and their place in the animal kingdom.

1. What is the current meaning of the term 'hominid'?

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All primates including humans

2. Which country was the first to ban great ape experimentation?

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New Zealand

3. What is the estimated weight range of the smallest living great ape species?

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30-40 kilograms

4. Which of the following is not an extinct member of the Hominidae family?

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Homo erectus

5. What is the estimated weight range of the largest living great ape species?

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140-180 kilograms

6. What is the estimated time period of the most recent common ancestor of all Hominidae?

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14 million years ago

7. What is the primary diet of chimpanzees and orangutans?

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Fruit

8. What is the average size of family groups for gorillas and chimpanzees?

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5-10 individuals

9. What did the Spanish parliament support in 2008 regarding great apes?

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A new law making keeping apes for entertainment purposes illegal

Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of primates with our quiz on the Order of Mammals. From the evolution of primates to their unique anatomy, behavior and threats to their survival, this quiz covers a wide range of topics. Discover interesting facts about primates, including their vocalizations, social systems, an...

Test your knowledge of primates with our quiz on the Order of Mammals. From the evolution of primates to their unique anatomy, behavior and threats to their survival, this quiz covers a wide range of topics. Discover interesting facts about primates, including their vocalizations, social systems, and tool use, while learning about the challenges they face in the wild. Whether you're a primate enthusiast or just looking to learn more about these fascinating creatures, this quiz is for you.

1. What is the suborder of primates that split from the primitive primate line about 63 mya?

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Strepsirrhini

2. Which of the following is NOT a common threat to primate species?

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Primate domestication

3. What is the legal status of non-human primates?

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They have no legal status

4. Which of the following is NOT a locomotion method used by primates?

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Octopedalism

5. What is the clade that the order Primates is nested within?

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Eutheria

6. Which of the following is NOT a way that primates communicate?

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Telepathy

7. What is the approximate number of recognized primate species?

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522

8. Which of the following is NOT a method that primates use to exploit food sources?

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Farming

9. Which of the following is a unique feature of primate color vision?

View Answer

Catarrhines are routinely trichromatic

Paleoanthropology Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge on the fascinating field of Paleoanthropology with this quiz! From the origins of anatomically modern humans to the discovery of new hominin species, this quiz covers the key concepts and important discoveries in the field. Challenge yourself to see how much you know about the in...

Test your knowledge on the fascinating field of Paleoanthropology with this quiz! From the origins of anatomically modern humans to the discovery of new hominin species, this quiz covers the key concepts and important discoveries in the field. Challenge yourself to see how much you know about the interdisciplinary study of primatology, paleontology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the evolution of our species and the development of human culture!

1. What is paleoanthropology?

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The study of early development of anatomically modern humans

2. What fields does paleoanthropology combine?

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Primatology, paleontology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology

3. What role does genetics play in paleoanthropology?

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It plays an increasingly important role in examining and comparing DNA structure

4. What is the hominid family?

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It is currently considered to comprise both the great ape lineages and human lineages within the hominoid superfamily

5. When did the field of paleoanthropology begin?

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In the 19th century with the discovery of 'Neanderthal man' and evidence of so-called cave men

6. Who was convinced that the Taung child was a bipedal human ancestor?

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Raymond Dart

7. Where did naturalists originally seek the origin of humans?

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Asia

8. What is Lee Berger known for?

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Leading the teams that discovered Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi

9. Why is the study of hominin evolution crucial?

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For understanding human origins and the development of human culture

Neanderthal Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge about our extinct cousins, the Neanderthals, with this fascinating quiz! Discover the unique physical and cultural characteristics of these archaic humans, how they lived and survived, and the reasons for their eventual extinction. Are you ready to delve into the world of Neander...

Test your knowledge about our extinct cousins, the Neanderthals, with this fascinating quiz! Discover the unique physical and cultural characteristics of these archaic humans, how they lived and survived, and the reasons for their eventual extinction. Are you ready to delve into the world of Neanderthals and challenge your understanding of human evolution? Take this quiz now to find out!

1. What is the average height of male Neanderthals?

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164-168 cm

2. What is the average height of female Neanderthals?

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152-156 cm

3. What is the estimated time of the Neanderthal/human split?

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236,000-190,000 years ago

4. What is the theory for Neanderthal extinction that involves the combination of demographic factors, competitive replacement, interbreeding and assimilation with modern humans, climate change, and disease?

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A combination of these factors

5. What is the average weight of male Neanderthals?

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77.6 kg

6. What is the name of the valley where the first identified Neanderthal specimen was found?

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Neandertal Valley

7. What is the estimated time of the possible interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans?

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100,000-65,000 years ago

8. What is the theory for Neanderthal extinction that involves small population size and inbreeding?

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Small population size and inbreeding

9. What is the average weight of female Neanderthals?

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55.2 kg

What Makes Us Unique?

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Do you know what makes humans unique in the animal kingdom? This quiz will test your knowledge of human biology, evolution, history, and behavior. Learn about the characteristics and behaviors that make humans stand out, such as our highly adaptable nature, complex societies, advanced cognitive skil...

Do you know what makes humans unique in the animal kingdom? This quiz will test your knowledge of human biology, evolution, history, and behavior. Learn about the characteristics and behaviors that make humans stand out, such as our highly adaptable nature, complex societies, advanced cognitive skills, and cultural expressions through art and language. Explore the key events and milestones in human history, from the Neolithic Revolution to the advancements of the Industrial Revolution and modern times. Take this quiz to discover fascinating facts about what makes us

1. What is the estimated combined biomass of all humans on Earth as of 2018?

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60 million tons

2. Which period saw the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the final defeat of the Byzantine Empire?

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The early modern period

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the human body's various systems?

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Lymphatic

4. What is the estimated number of languages currently in use?

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6,000

5. Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences body size?

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Income

6. What is the name of the theory that explains human motivation?

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Maslow's hierarchy of needs

7. Which of the following statements about human skin pigmentation is true?

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It varies based on geographical location

8. Which of the following is NOT a stage of the human life span?

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Seniority

9. What is the rate of homicide in societies that have legal systems and strong cultural attitudes against violence?

View Answer

0.01%

How much do you know about the "Hobbit" species?

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge about the fascinating archaic human species that once inhabited the island of Flores, Indonesia. Take this quiz to learn more about Homo floresiensis, also known as the "Hobbit" species, including their physical characteristics, unique dental morphology, and the archaeological di...

Test your knowledge about the fascinating archaic human species that once inhabited the island of Flores, Indonesia. Take this quiz to learn more about Homo floresiensis, also known as the "Hobbit" species, including their physical characteristics, unique dental morphology, and the archaeological discoveries made in Liang Bua cave. Challenge yourself with questions about their brain size, estimated height and body mass, and the possible reasons for their extinction. Don't miss this opportunity to discover more about one of the

1. What is Homo floresiensis?

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An extinct species of small archaic human

2. Where were the remains of Homo floresiensis discovered?

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Liang Bua cave, Flores, Indonesia

3. What is the estimated height of LB1, the Homo floresiensis specimen?

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1.06 m (3 ft 6 in)

4. What is the estimated body mass of Homo floresiensis?

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25 kg (55 lb)

5. What is the unique dental morphology of Homo floresiensis?

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Primitive canine-premolar and advanced molar morphologies

6. What is the range of brain size of Homo floresiensis?

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Chimpanzees or the extinct australopithecines

7. What is the angle of humeral torsion of Homo floresiensis compared to modern humans?

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Much less

8. What is the age range of the Homo floresiensis skeletal material?

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60,000 to 100,000 years ago

9. What is the significance of the nickname 'hobbit' for Homo floresiensis?

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It refers to the fictional race popularized in J. R. R. Tolkien's book The Hobbit

How much do you know about Homo naledi?

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge on Homo naledi, the small-brained South African archaic human. Discover fascinating facts about this extinct species, including their unique mix of primitive and modern traits, cave-dwelling lifestyle, and potential ritualistic behavior. Learn about their diet, potential predator...

Test your knowledge on Homo naledi, the small-brained South African archaic human. Discover fascinating facts about this extinct species, including their unique mix of primitive and modern traits, cave-dwelling lifestyle, and potential ritualistic behavior. Learn about their diet, potential predators, and hand adaptations for tool-making. Challenge yourself with questions on their brain size, gait, and evolutionary relationships. Take this quiz to become an expert on Homo naledi and gain a deeper understanding of human evolution

1. What is the estimated age range of Homo naledi fossils?

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335,000-236,000 years ago

2. What is the cranial capacity of Homo naledi compared to modern humans?

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465-610 cm3 compared to 1,270-1,330 cm3

3. What is the unique feature of Homo naledi's teeth?

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Lacks several accessory dental features

4. What is the estimated height and weight of Homo naledi individuals?

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144 cm (4 ft 9 in) and 40 kg (88 lb)

5. What is the likely behavior of Homo naledi based on their finger length?

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Climbing

6. What is the evidence of Homo naledi's ritualistic behavior?

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Deliberate disposal of dead individuals

7. What is the likely diet of Homo naledi based on their tooth anatomy?

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Gritty foods covered in particulates

8. What is the likely habitat of Homo naledi based on their anatomy?

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Cave system

9. What is the significance of Homo naledi in human evolution?

View Answer

It provides important insights into human evolution and the diversity of human ancestors

Australopithecus Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of Australopithecus with our quiz! From the earliest known member of the genus, A. anamensis, to the more widely dispersed A. africanus and A. sediba, this quiz covers the key species, notable specimens, and debates surrounding the classification of these early hominins. Explore...

Test your knowledge of Australopithecus with our quiz! From the earliest known member of the genus, A. anamensis, to the more widely dispersed A. africanus and A. sediba, this quiz covers the key species, notable specimens, and debates surrounding the classification of these early hominins. Explore the evidence and specimens of stone tool production by Australopithecus, and find out whether they are ancestral to Homo and modern humans. Challenge yourself with this fascinating quiz

1. What is the subtribe that Australopithecus is a member of?

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Australopithecina

2. Which Australopithecus species is thought to have given rise to the genus Homo?

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A. afarensis

3. What is the estimated age of the human-chimpanzee last common ancestor according to the Chimpanzee Genome Project?

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5-6 million years ago

4. What percentage of the size of a modern human brain were the brains of most species of Australopithecus?

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35%

5. What is the name of the first Australopithecus specimen discovered in 1924 in South Africa?

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Taung Child

6. What is the Lomekwi culture and when was it discovered?

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A culture associated with Kenyanthropus or A. deyiremeda, discovered in 2015

7. Which Australopithecus species was initially attributed to butchery based on cut marks found on a bovid leg, but the attribution is now questionable?

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A. afarensis

8. Which notable Australopithecus specimen has been suggested as a potential ancestor of Homo?

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A. sediba

9. What did early analyses of dental microwear in A. africanus and Paranthropus robustus show?

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A. africanus had fewer microwear features and more scratches on its molar wear facets compared to P. robustus

The Laetoli Footprints Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of prehistoric anthropology with our Laetoli Footprints Quiz! Discover the incredible story of the discovery and preservation of the oldest evidence of hominin bipedalism. Learn about the significance of the Laetoli footprints in the debate on human evolution and the insights the...

Test your knowledge of prehistoric anthropology with our Laetoli Footprints Quiz! Discover the incredible story of the discovery and preservation of the oldest evidence of hominin bipedalism. Learn about the significance of the Laetoli footprints in the debate on human evolution and the insights they provide into the climate of the time. Challenge yourself with questions on the identity of the Hominina who made the traces, the animal species present, and the measures taken to protect this registered National Historic Site of

1. What is Laetoli?

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A pre-historic site in Tanzania

2. Who discovered the Hominina footprints at Laetoli?

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Mary Leakey and her team

3. When were the Laetoli footprints dated to?

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3.7 million years ago

4. What is the most commonly proposed species that made the Laetoli footprints?

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Australopithecus afarensis

5. What do the footprints indicate about the characteristics of the hominins who made them?

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Obligate bipedalism

6. How did the discovery of the Laetoli footprints settle the debate about human evolution?

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Proving that bipedalism developed before a larger brain

7. How many different animal species were present at the Laetoli site besides A. afarensis?

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Twenty

8. What was the reason for re-burying the Laetoli footprints in 1979?

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Preservation

9. What measures were taken in 1993 to preserve the Laetoli footprints?

View Answer

Preventing erosion

Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge on the evolution and physiology of bipedalism with this quiz! From the theories of its origin to the adaptations required for efficient movement, this quiz covers a wide range of topics related to terrestrial locomotion on two legs. Whether you're a biology enthusiast or just cur...

Test your knowledge on the evolution and physiology of bipedalism with this quiz! From the theories of its origin to the adaptations required for efficient movement, this quiz covers a wide range of topics related to terrestrial locomotion on two legs. Whether you're a biology enthusiast or just curious about the unique ability of humans to walk upright, this quiz will challenge and educate you with its interesting facts and trivia.

1. What is bipedalism?

View Answer

A form of terrestrial locomotion using two legs

2. Which of the following statements is true about bipedalism?

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It is unknown among amphibians

3. Which of the following is a factor that may have led to the evolution of bipedalism in early hominids?

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Living in a forested setting

4. Which of the following is a theory on the origin of bipedalism that suggests it was influenced by waterside environments and the exploitation of aquatic food sources?

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Wading model

5. Which of the following is a physiological adaptation required for bipedal movement?

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Strong leg muscles

6. Which of the following statements about bipedalism in primates is true?

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Only humans are normally bipedal

7. Which of the following is a theory on the origin of bipedalism that suggests it was linked to monogamy and male provisioning of food for offspring?

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Provisioning model

8. Which of the following is a characteristic of running as a form of locomotion?

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Energy is stored and released from a spring-like limb during foot contact

9. Which of the following hominins walked bipedally but could still grasp tree branches with curved fingers?

View Answer

Australopithecus afarensis

Unraveling the Mystery of Human Evolution

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of human evolution with this informative quiz on the "Out of Africa" theory and the early migration of Homo sapiens. Explore the dominant model of the geographic origin and early migration of modern humans, as well as the various "out-of-Africa" dispersals that occurred throughou...

Test your knowledge of human evolution with this informative quiz on the "Out of Africa" theory and the early migration of Homo sapiens. Explore the dominant model of the geographic origin and early migration of modern humans, as well as the various "out-of-Africa" dispersals that occurred throughout history. Discover the evidence of interbreeding between H. sapiens and archaic humans in Eurasia, Oceania, and Africa, and learn more about the recent African origin theory of modern humans.

1. What is the dominant model of the geographic origin and early migration of anatomically modern humans?

View Answer

Recent African origin model

2. Which haplogroups are largely confined to Africa?

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Haplogroups L0, L1, L2, and L3

3. Which haplogroup is predominant in Europe?

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Haplogroup N

4. Which haplogroup is predominant in East Asia?

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Haplogroup M

5. What is the most significant 'recent' wave out of Africa?

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The Southern Route

6. Which hominin populations did the Yoruba and Mende populations of West Africa derive between 2% and 19% of their genome from?

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Homo erectus

7. What is the recent African origin model's proposal regarding modern non-African populations?

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They are substantially descended from populations of H. sapiens that left Africa before that time.

8. Which hominin species did admixture from archaic hominins of still earlier divergence times found in Pygmies, Hadza, and five Sandawe in 2012?

View Answer

Homo habilis

9. What did a 2016 study suggest about the Neanderthal patrilineage?

View Answer

It may have gone extinct.

Test Your Knowledge

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

How much do you know about the extinct species of archaic humans known as Denisovans? Test your knowledge with our quiz and discover fascinating facts about their physical characteristics, culture, and genetics. From their discovery in a cave in Siberia to their interbreeding with modern humans, thi...

How much do you know about the extinct species of archaic humans known as Denisovans? Test your knowledge with our quiz and discover fascinating facts about their physical characteristics, culture, and genetics. From their discovery in a cave in Siberia to their interbreeding with modern humans, this quiz will take you on a journey through a unique chapter of human evolution. Don't miss the chance to learn more about these mysterious hominins and their impact on the genetic makeup of modern populations. Take the

1. What is the most significant source of information about Denisovans?

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DNA evidence

2. Where were Denisovans primarily found?

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Asia

3. What is the most likely reason that no formal species name has been established for Denisovans?

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There is not enough physical remains

4. Which modern human populations have the highest percentages of Denisovan DNA?

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Melanesians

5. What is the significance of the Xiahe mandible?

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It is the only known Denisovan fossil outside of Siberia

6. What is the relationship between Denisovans and Neanderthals?

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They were more closely related to each other than to modern humans

7. What is the significance of the Denisovan genome?

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It reveals that Denisovans interbred with modern humans

8. What is the significance of the stone tools and ornaments found in Denisova Cave?

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They suggest that Denisovans had a sophisticated culture

9. What is the significance of the hand- and footprints found in Tibet?

View Answer

They suggest that Denisovans lived in the area for an extended period of time

How well do you know the human skull?

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of the human skull with this informative and fascinating quiz! Learn about the structure, bones, and functions of the skull, as well as historical and cultural practices related to it. From cranial surgery to forensic science, this quiz covers a variety of topics related to the s...

Test your knowledge of the human skull with this informative and fascinating quiz! Learn about the structure, bones, and functions of the skull, as well as historical and cultural practices related to it. From cranial surgery to forensic science, this quiz covers a variety of topics related to the skull. Impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of this complex and important part of the human body.

1. What is the function of the skull?

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To protect the brain and house sensory structures

2. What are sutures in the skull?

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Synarthrodial joints formed by bony ossification

3. How many bones does the human skull consist of?

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22

4. What are paranasal sinuses?

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Air-filled cavities in the skull

5. What is craniosynostosis?

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A condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in an infant skull prematurely fuses

6. What is a craniectomy?

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A common skull procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the skull bone

7. What is the theory of phrenology?

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An attempt to show that specific features of the skull are associated with certain personality traits

8. What is the cephalic index?

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The ratio of the width of the head to its length, used to categorize animals, including humans

9. What is facial feminization surgery?

View Answer

Surgical alteration of sexually dimorphic skull features for transgender people

Race and Genetics

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Are you curious about the relationship between race and genetics? Take this quiz to test your knowledge on this controversial topic. Learn about the scientific debate surrounding the definition and meaning of race in genetic and biomedical research, the genetic variation between human populations, a...

Are you curious about the relationship between race and genetics? Take this quiz to test your knowledge on this controversial topic. Learn about the scientific debate surrounding the definition and meaning of race in genetic and biomedical research, the genetic variation between human populations, and the critiques of racial naturalism. Explore the controversies surrounding the biological reality of race and the challenges of using race in medicine. Test your understanding of the complex relationship between race and genetics with this informative and thought-provoking quiz.

1. What is the main argument against racial naturalism?

View Answer

Human genetic clustering does not support the biological reality of race.

2. What is the average FST distance between human races?

View Answer

0.125

3. What is the relationship between genetic variation and race?

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Patterns of human variation do not map onto socially recognized categories of race.

4. What is the main criticism of using ancestry-informative markers (AIMs)?

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AIMs rely on reference populations.

5. What is the main argument against the use of race in medicine?

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Race is a poor proxy for genetic ancestry.

6. What is the main argument for the biological reality of race?

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Human genetic clustering supports the biological reality of race.

7. What is the main argument against using cluster analysis in genetic research?

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The number of clusters to search for is decided in advance.

8. What is the main argument against the use of FST in population-genetic research?

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FST cannot distinguish between high migration and recent shared history.

9. What is the relationship between human phenotypes and genetics?

View Answer

Human phenotypes are highly polygenic and are influenced by both genetics and the environment.

Forensic Anthropology Quiz

9 multiple choice quiz questions with answers

Test your knowledge of forensic anthropology with our quiz! From identifying skeletal remains to understanding the subfields of forensic anthropology, this quiz covers it all. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about this fascinating field and its contributions to solving crimes and identi...

Test your knowledge of forensic anthropology with our quiz! From identifying skeletal remains to understanding the subfields of forensic anthropology, this quiz covers it all. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about this fascinating field and its contributions to solving crimes and identifying victims of mass disasters. Keywords: forensic anthropology, identification, subfields, skeletal remains, age estimation, sex determination, ancestry determination, trauma, excavation, recovery, ethical standards.

1. What is forensic anthropology?

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The study of human remains to aid in identifying individuals and determining cause of death.

2. What is the role of forensic anthropologists in investigations?

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To identify physical markers on a skeleton to determine age, sex, stature, and race.

3. What is the significance of the pelvis in determining sex?

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It is extremely useful in determining sex.

4. What is the difference between biotaphonomy and geotaphonomy?

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Biotaphonomy is the study of how the environment affects the decomposition of the body, while geotaphonomy examines how the decomposition of the body affects the environment.

5. What is FORDISC 3.0?

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A computer program that uses measurements of bones to determine ancestry.

6. What is the educational path to becoming a forensic anthropologist?

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Obtaining a bachelor's degree in anthropology and a doctorate in physical anthropology, with coursework in forensics and archaeology.

7. What is the role of forensic archaeology in investigations?

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To properly excavate remains and recover evidence, as well as identify potential grave sites.

8. Who are some notable forensic anthropologists?

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Clyde Snow, William Bass, and Douglas Owsley.

9. What is the importance of upholding ethical standards in forensic anthropology?

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To remain impartial during investigations and treat remains with respect and dignity.