Bio Anth Exam 3 Flashcard text
(171 cards)
What is the Pliocene epoch?
The Pliocene epoch is a geological time period that lasted from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago.
True or False: The Pliocene is known for significant climatic changes.
True
Which hominin species is widely recognized from the Pliocene?
Australopithecus
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene is the _____ epoch in the Cenozoic era.
third
What major development in hominin evolution occurred during the Pliocene?
The development of bipedalism.
What is the significance of the Laetoli footprints?
They provide evidence of early bipedalism in hominins.
Multiple choice: Which of the following hominins lived during the Pliocene? A) Homo sapiens B) Homo habilis C) Australopithecus afarensis D) Neanderthals
C) Australopithecus afarensis
What major environmental change influenced hominin evolution during the Pliocene?
The expansion of grasslands and savannas.
True or False: The Pliocene saw the first appearance of the genus Homo.
False
What is the main characteristic of Australopithecus species?
They exhibited both bipedal locomotion and adaptations for climbing.
Fill in the blank: The genus _____ includes several species of early hominins from the Pliocene.
Australopithecus
What does the term ‘hominin’ refer to?
Hominins refer to the group that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.
Multiple choice: Which species is known as ‘Lucy’? A) Australopithecus afarensis B) Homo erectus C) Paranthropus boisei D) Sahelanthropus tchadensis
A) Australopithecus afarensis
What type of tools were likely used by early hominins during the Pliocene?
Simple stone tools.
True or False: The Pliocene is characterized by the dominance of tropical forests.
False
What is one of the key adaptations of hominins that emerged during the Pliocene?
Increased brain size relative to body size.
Fill in the blank: The Pliocene epoch is preceded by the _____ epoch.
Miocene
Which hominin species is known for its robust cranial features?
Paranthropus
True or False: Hominins of the Pliocene were primarily tree-dwelling.
False
What evidence do scientists use to study Pliocene hominins?
Fossil records and archaeological sites.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Pliocene hominins? A) Bipedalism B) Large canines C) Tool use D) Increased brain size
B) Large canines
What is the estimated time frame for the emergence of the genus Homo?
Around 2.8 million years ago, towards the end of the Pliocene.
Fill in the blank: The _____ environment during the Pliocene led to the diversification of many species.
changing
What does the term ‘bipedalism’ mean?
The ability to walk on two legs.