Question

1) In general, is the hindlimb of Australopithecus more human-like, ape-like or in-between? List two examples (traits) to support your answer.

2) In general, is the cranium of Australopithecus afarensis more human-like, ape-like or in-between? List two examples (traits) to support your answer.

Answer 1

1) Australopithecus species played a significant role in human evolution. Australopithecus has a combination of human like and Ape like traits. They were like modern humans, in that they were bipedal ie, they can on two legs. They have similar features of the human femur- features of thigh bone implying bipedalism. It has a similar anatomy of the knee and ankle that of humans. The foot has a convergent great toe and strong arches like modern humans. So this species has a combination features of human and apes , but the hind limbs features are closely related with modern humans.

2) Australopithecus afarensis had both ape and human characteristics. This species had ape like face proportions andbrain case ( a flat nose, projecting lower jaw, small brain less than 500 cubic centimetres a bit 1/3 of the size of human brain ).and with strong arms with curved figures adapted for climbing trees. They also had small canine teeth like early humans and a body that stood on two legs walking upright. They can live both on trees and ground. So they have the mixed features of ape and human.