History Of Humankind In Africa

Question 1

Why are we divided into the same sub-order as the chimpanzee

Answer 1

We have certain characteristics in common with the other Anthropoids: flat nails instead of claws, stereoscopic and colour vision, and short snouts with a lesser sense of smell

Question 2

How are the hominids distinguished from other hominids

Answer 2

They are distinguished by their bipedal lifestyle and the slightly larger brain volume. These two characteristics led to a change in diet, way of procuring food, the development of language and symbolism as well as social structure, the use of fire and the making of tools and weapons

Question 3

Advantages of bipedalism

Answer 3

• can see over the Savannah and be on the lookout for predators or food
• make and use weapons, and carry them over long distances when hunting
• bring food home
• carry and protect the young
• move over long distances, making migration possible

Question 4

Differences between chimpanzee, Australopithecus and homo

Answer 4

1. Long snout; long snout; flat face
2. Prominent canines; less prominent canines; canines are the same as other teeth
3. Smaller cranium; bigger cranium; large cranium
4. Long arms short legs; long arms short legs; shorter arms longer legs
5. quadrupedal; bipedal; bipedal
6. Tall narrow pelvis; pelvis more bowl shaped; pelvis is bowl shaped
7. Grabbing big toe; big toe more in line; big toe in line
8. Angular dental arc; dental are slightly curved; dental are curved