Question

* Need all answered

Which of the following statements best describes an example of mosaic evolution?

a) Paranthropus boisei's large molars had adaptations for a diet of mostly grasses, similar to those found in large grazing ungulates.

b) Anatomically modern humans in Europe and Asia share 1-4% of alleles with Homo neanderthalensis.

c) Australopithecus sediba was short with long arms, but possessed long striding legs and precision grip fingers.

d) Anatomically modern humans and chimpanzees differ in the number of muscles that control thumb movement, as well as genes involved in cognition.

Bipedalism evolved after the earliest members of the human lineage moved to savannah habitats.

a) True

b) False

What important feature of Ardipithecus ramidus is not present in Australopithecus or Homo?

a) opposable big toe

b) small brain/cranial capacity

c) lowered larynx

d) muscles controlling precision, wrist, and thumb movement

e) use of simple flaked stone tools

Answer 1

Example of mosaic evolution:

c) Australopithecus sediba was short with long arms, but possessed long striding legs and precision grip fingers.

Mosaic evolution occurs in different parts of body but not necessarily at the same time. The coorect choice (c) demonstrates mosaic evolution of locomotor and manipulative abilities of Australopithecus sediba.

Bipedalism evolved after the earliest members of the human lineage moved to savannah habitats. a) True

What important feature of Ardipithecus ramidus is not present in Australopithecus or Homo?

b) small brain/cranial capacity.