11A: Classification and Characteristics of Modern Humans

Question 1

Taxonomy

Answer 1

The process of identifying naming and grouping organisms

Question 2

Homologous structures

Answer 2

A structure within a group of species that performs a different function yet has the same underlying structure

Question 3

Molecular Phylogeny

Answer 3

Comparison of nucleotide sequences of genes and amino acid sequences of proteins, from which evolutionary relationships can be inferred

Question 4

Primate

Answer 4

The order consisting of all current and extinct Humans apes and monkeys, characterised by having dextrous hands with opposable thumbs and a relatively large and developed brain

Question 5

Hominoid

Answer 5

The superfamily consisting of all current and extinct humans and apes

Question 6

Hominin

Answer 6

The subfamily consisting of all current and extinct bipedal primates

Question 7

Bipedal

Answer 7

Able to work on two legs, or upright

Question 8

Genus

Answer 8

A group of related organisms that share a recent common ancestor

Question 9

Species

Answer 9

A group of organisms that can interbreed, producing fertile and viable offspring

Question 10

Features of mammals

Answer 10

Bear Live young
Produce milk
Have fur/hair

Question 11

Features of primates

Answer 11

Dextrous/grasping hands
opposable thumbs
Forward facing eyes

Question 12

Features of Hominoids

Answer 12

No tail
Molars with 5 cusps (not 4)
Broad and flattened ribcage

Question 13

Features of hominins

Answer 13

Bipedal, which separates humans from other great apes

Question 14

main characteristics in the evolution of hominin skulls

Answer 14

More centralised foreman magnum

Smaller brow ridge

More Parabolic Jaw

Flatter Face

Question 15

Two main overall characteristics in the evolution of hominins

Answer 15

Change in limb structure
Increase in brain size

Question 16

Timeline of Australopithecus

Answer 16

4.4-1.4 Million years ago

Question 17

Timeline of Homo

Answer 17

1.4 mya - current

Question 18

Bipedalism

Answer 18

The characteristic of being bipedal, i.e walking upright on two legs

Question 19

Foramen Magnum

Answer 19

Hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord enters/exits the skull

Question 20

Adaptations to support bipedal locomotion

Answer 20

Increase in arm to leg ratio
Greater Femur angle
Big toe aligned with rest of toes
Increase arch and heel size

Question 21

Advantages of bipedalism

Answer 21

Helps keep the body cool
Frees hands
Standing taller allows observation for food water or potential predators

Question 22

4 key regions of hominin brain in development

Answer 22

Occupital lobe
Cerebral cortex
Broca’s area
Cerebellum

Question 23

Occupital Lobe

Significance of this region

Answer 23

Increased vision of greater distances

Question 24

Cerebral cortex

Significance of this region

Answer 24

Processing of visual information
Depth of planning
Memory
Problem solving and reasoning

Question 25

Broca’s Area

Significance of this region

Answer 25

Language/speech

Question 26

Cerebellum

Significance of this region

Answer 26

Fine movements and sensations (particularly fingers)