CHAPTER 12

Which of the specimens above are most likely to be bipedal?

• I, II and IV

• I, II, III and IV

• III, V and VI

• V and VI

Which of the following characteristics would you also expect to find specimen VI to display?

• broad pelvis, C-shaped vertebral column and centrally-positioned foramen magnum

• narrow pelvis, C-shaped vertebral column and posterior foramen magnum

• broad pelvis, S-shaped vertebral column and centrally-positioned foramen magnum

• narrow pelvis, S-shaped vertebral column and posterior foramen magnum

Compare Teeth X and Teeth Y in the diagram. Teeth X belong to a human because

• there is a diastema present.

• there are fewer premolars.

• the canines are much larger than incisors.

• the dental arcade is U-shaped.

The femur of Primate A has a greater carrying angle than Primate B. This is because Primate A is

• human and the carrying angle allows it to have a wider pelvis than an ape, to assist in childbirth.

• an ape and the carrying angle increases the length of the femur to allow for quadrupedal walking.

• an ape and the carrying angle allows the knee to bend and straighten for bipedal walking.

• human and the carrying angle places the foot under the centre of gravity for a striding gait.

The foot of Primate A would have

• a larger calcaneus (heel bone) than Primate B.

• a longitudinal arch that is lacking in Primate B.

• greater opposability of the big toe than Primate B.

• a more flexible ankle joint than Primate B.

Which of the following does not describe a feature displayed by a primitive primate when being compared with a more advanced primate?

• smaller cranial capacity relative to body size

• shorter gestational period

• greater reliance on vision than sense of smell

• greater number of teeth

A fossilised skeleton was discovered in a semi-arboreal region of Africa. Paleoanthropologists determined that the skeleton is bipedal due to several distinguishing features. What features would you expect to be present in this skeleton?

• narrow pelvis, s-shaped spine, protruding jaw

• central foramen magnum, protruding jaw, short pelvis

• s-shaped spine, long pelvis, central foramen magnum

• broad pelvis, central foramen magnum, s-shaped spine

All primates share

• a small cerebral cortex and greater emphasis on vision.

• longer gestation times and shorter periods of parental care.

• a reduction in prognathism and a broad short pelvis.

• greater mobility of their digits and a reduction in reliance on smell.

Bipedalism first became an advantage when environmental change resulted in

• an increase in open grassland relative to forests.

• an increase in height of food supply found on trees.

• an increase in global temperatures.

• a decrease in the amount of high energy foods like meat.

This fossil is considered more like a hominin than a pongid or ape because

• the size of its molars are relatively larger than those of an ape.

• the cranial capacity is reduced.

• the development of a forehead has begun

• the face demonstrates reduced prognathism.