Biology (Mader), 10th Edition

Chapter 30: Human Evolution

Learning Outcomes

After studying this chapter, you should be able to accomplish the following outcomes.

Evolution of Primates

1. Describe the trends in the evolution of primate characteristics.
2. Outline the sequence of primate evolution.

3. Discuss the adaptations of the human skeleton for standing.
4. List examples of the earliest humanlike Hominins.
5. Trace the evolution of the modern humans from the early Hominins.

Evolution of Later Hominins

6. Compare and contrast the two types of australopiths.
7. Explain the significance of the "Lucy" and "Salem" fossils.

8. Distinguish members of the genus Homo from other Hominins.
9. List the different species within the genus Homo and place them in the context of the evolution of modern humans.
10. Explain why it is hypothesized that a prolonged development of the hominin brain led to the evolution of modern humans.
11. Discuss the importance of the biocultural evolution in early Homo species.

12. Show why the "replacement model" is the most widely accepted hypothesis for the evolution of modern humans from archaic humans.
13. Describe Neandertals.
14. List the characteristics of Cro-Magnons.
15. Explain the variations in today's humans.
16. Outline the evidence supporting a recent common ancestor for modern human populations.