Page 282 (notes)

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1.In 2015, a team of palaeoanthropologists assigned the fossil to the gus Homo. Describe evidence form the previous page that supports assigning these fossils to the genus Homo.

The fossils suggest burialrituals involved so suggests a degree of intelligence, language and cooperative behaviour.

Features of the skull: cranium lacks crests of the Austalopithecines. Its small 5-cuspid molars are typical of Homo , and suggest a high quality diet. Teeth are arranged in a parabolic arch.

Pelvis and limbs: The lower half of the pelvis resembles the structure of modern humans and the valgus angle and lower limb reseble other Homo species. The tructure of the foot and ankle most indistinguishable from modern humansand the foot arch suggest a long and efficient stride (efficient bipedalism).

Stature and size: Homo naledis stature (1.50m and 45kg) is similar to small-bodied humans.

Hands: The thumb, wrist and hand bones a very similar to modern humans, although the finger bones are curved even more than the Australopithecines suggesting they retained good climbing abilities.

2. Some researchers remain cautious and are not yet satisfied that these fossils represent a new species of Homo, or even that they belong in the Homo genus. Describe features of these fossils that do not support the HOmo Designation.

Their cranial capacity lies within the range of the australopithecines. The collarbone and arm bones suggest an aboreal, at least partly, lifestyle. Their wide rib-cage is very similar to the australopithecines. Top of the pelvis flares outwards in an ape-like manner and the top of the femus is identical to australopithecines and very different from Homo ses. Thier stature is at the upper range of the Australopithecines. The teeth, other than the molars, are primitive. The finger bones are more curved than any other austalophecines, suggesting at least a partly aboreal lifestyle.

3. State the key piece of information missing from the Homo naledi story.

The bones have, so far, been difficult to date.

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Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution

SciPad Answers (Pages 281-283, 292-296)