TAMU ANTH 201 - Ch 4

secondary altriciality

A unique human phenomenon of brain growth, during which the brain doubles its size in the first year of life. It may have been a feature of our ancestor Homo erectus.

fossil record

1. be taken to mean the interpretation of human evolution, based on the data of the collected remains. 2.mean the assemblage of bones collected.

30. Which of the following is currently believed to be true about bipedal evolution? a. Bipedalism, brain size, and tool-use evolved together (a larger brain was needed for tool use, and tool use was facilitated by freeing up the hands). b. Bipedalism was an adaptation to living in grassland-like environments (this way, less overall body mass is exposed to the sun, and being taller enabled better vision to watch for predators). c. Bipedalism was only able to happen because our ancestors were slowly losing their ability to brachiate (climate change of the time meant that nearly all the forests were destroyed). d. Bipedalism enabled a range of advantages (such as "walking in trees," being able to carry food, babies, and use tools, and looking larger/more aggressive), but these hypotheses are still being discussed.

77-79

potassium argon dating

Considered be the best technique for determining the age of sites over 200,000 years

27. Which of the following cannot be considered a result of bipedalism? a. A singer with perfect pitch. b. A 70 year old needing a hip replacement. c. Losing a race to a quadraped. d. Being more likely to be hit by lightning (i.e., standing taller).

a. A singer with perfect pitch. page 76 -77(not sure)

2. If you were conducting a dig hoping to find human remains, which of these sites would be least likely to yield good findings? a. An area chosen through a random algorithm somewhere in West Africa. b. An area where sediments (from the time period you're looking for) have been exposed. c. An area where there is a record of good preservation of organic remains, such as a cave. d. The same area where your supervisor has been excavating for the last decade.

a. An area chosen through a random algorithm somewhere in West Africa.

41. Which of the following is considered a consequence of bipedalism and/or spending considerable time in direct sunlight? a. Hair follicles producing finer and lighter hair (to assist with sweating). b. A decrease in prehensibility and increase in stereoscopic vision. c. Skin color, as bipedalism processes affect the amount of melanin produced by the body. d. Eye placement and shape, as different visual contexts required different abilities.

a. Hair follicles producing finer and lighter hair (to assist with sweating). page 86

32. Which of the following genera are not widely regarded as one of the first hominins? a. Neandertal b. Sahelanthropus c. Orrorin d. Ardipithecus

a. Neandertal page 80

12. The sex of a skeleton can be determined through a. examining the pelvis. b. learning how the body was buried (different sexes were treated differently). c. measuring the length of the metatarsals. d. examining bone fusion.

a. examining the pelvis. page 71

29. Our understandings of bipedal evolution a. have changed over time with new findings (e.g., bipedalism likely developed from our ancestors living in a mixed environment rather than savannahs). b. have been consistent (we have always known that bipedalism was an adaptation to savannah-like conditions). c. are sorely lacking, as we have no theories as to how and why bipedalism emerged. d. are solely informed through the modern analyses of contemporary primates.

a. have changed over time with new findings (e.g., bipedalism likely developed from our ancestors living in a mixed environment rather than savannahs). not sure 77- 79

33. The labels robustus, boisei, aethiopecus, and Kenyanthropus refer to a. hominins belonging to the Paranthropus grouping, representing approximately 3.5 million years ago to 1 million years ago. b. hominins belonging to the Late Homo grouping, representing approximately 250,000 years ago to present day. c. likely hominins belonging to the Early Contender grouping, representing approximately 7 million years ago to 4.4 million years ago d. hominins belonging to the Australopithecines grouping, representing approximately 4.2 million years ago to 1.8 million years ago

a. hominins belonging to the Paranthropus grouping, representing approximately 3.5 million years ago to 1 million years ago. tabel 4.3 page 81 (not sure)

14. If someone injured their patella, they probably wouldn't be able to a. score a goal playing soccer. b. deal a poker hand. c. eat chewy toffee. d. work on their biceps.

a. score a goal playing soccer.

16. The type of taxonomic categories you use would be influenced by a. whether you consider yourself a "lumper" or a "splitter." b. which dental formula you prefer. c. the amount of volcanic ash present in a sediment sample. d. where you stand on the "killer ape" hypothesis.

a. whether you consider yourself a "lumper" or a "splitter." page 73

Principle of radiocarbon dating(Carbon 14 or c14) is

all living things contain carbon 14 and at instant of death c14 begins to decay at a know rate.

13. How many bones are in an adult human skeleton? a. 2,197 b. 206 c. 147 d. 89

b. 206 page 71

35. Homo naledi exhibit a mosaic of a. Australopithecus and Ardipithecus features. b. Australopithecus and Homo features. c. Homo erectus and Neandertal features. d. Denisovan, Homo floresiensis, and Homo sapiens features.

b. Australopithecus and Homo features. box 4.2 page 82

39. What evidence exists to support the theory that Neandertals were a subpopulation of Homo sapiens (versus a separate species)? a. The recent discovery of Homo floresiensis. b. DNA present in contemporary humans, indicating successful interbreeding. c. Specific attributes of contemporary tools. d. Comparable animal remains found at both Neandertal sites and Homo sites.

b. DNA present in contemporary humans, indicating successful interbreeding. page 84

9. Which of the following events do not hinder the preservation of a body? a. Scavenging by animals (e.g., wild dogs). b. Placement below ground, low oxygen (e.g., sinking ground near a lake). c. Decomposition by internal microorganisms. d. Insects/local ecosystems (e.g., maggots, bugs).

b. Placement below ground, low oxygen (e.g., sinking ground near a lake). Page 70 Preservation and taphonomy

40. Which of the following is not a recent discovery that has challenged conventional thinking about human evolution? a. The Denisovans, a previously unknown kind of hominin living in Siberia 50,000-30,000 years ago (thus, co-existing with Neandertals and Homo sapiens) b. The emergence of evidence supporting the long-speculated existence of a North American group of Gigantopithecus. c. A dozen small individuals classified as Homo floreniensis living in Indonesia 75,000-12,000 years ago (they are commonly referred to as "hobbits"). d. Cultural evidence associated with Homo floreniensis that suggests they were hunting and cooking large animals like komodo dragons (thus, needing tools and having good cognitive skills).

b. The emergence of evidence supporting the long-speculated existence of a North American group of Gigantopithecus. page 84 no methiod of gigantopithecus and only found reminds in china

24. The dating techniques described in the text a. are the only three available that can reliably date sites and remains. b. are only three of many, and it is preferable to use as many different kinds as possible to establish the date of a site or remains. c. are exclusionary, in that if you use one you cannot use the others. d. are controversial because they require that the samples are destroyed during the dating process.

b. are only three of many, and it is preferable to use as many different kinds as possible to establish the date of a site or remains. page 74

11. The age of a skeleton can be determined through a. the width of its pelvis. b. counting adult teeth and observing bone fusion. c. examination of how the foramen magnum is positioned. d. the dental formula.

b. counting adult teeth and observing bone fusion. page 70

15. "Lumpers vs. splitters" refers to a. the historical divide in British culture regarding how tea should be properly consumed (lumpers believe sugar may be added, while splitters only allow dairy products). b. how people divide up taxonomic categories (lumpers assume considerable variability within genera and species and therefore have relatively few taxonomic categories, while splitters assume relatively little variability recognize many more different genera and species). c. how human remains can be processed, depending on their preservation (lumping a skeleton uses destructive methods that need to test every found bone fragment while splitting a skeleton enables multiple methodologies and is non-destructive). d. what kind of dating method is used with respect to tree-based artifacts and remains (lumpers base dates on tree rings, splitters examine how many main branches split from the trunk).

b. how people divide up taxonomic categories (lumpers assume considerable variability within genera and species and therefore have relatively few taxonomic categories, while splitters assume relatively little variability recognize Page 71

28. The fact that our ancestors became bipedal a. is an inevitability - this was the next logical step in our evolution. b. means that they had the necessary skeletal variability for such a transition and it was in some significant way advantageous - it does not mean bipedalism is the best option for all primates. c. means that other primates will eventually develop this trait as well. d. signifies the superiority of our species over all of the other genuses and families.

b. means that they had the necessary skeletal variability for such a transition and it was in some significant way advantageous - it does not mean bipedalism is the best option for all primates. page 76

19. The three most widely used methods to date a fossil or archaeological site are a. phalanges, foramen magnum, and tarsals. b. potassium argon dating, Dating by Association, and radiocarbon dating. c. paleoanthropology, taphonomy, and osteology. d. seriation, trophination, and DNA testing.

b. potassium argon dating, Dating by Association, and radiocarbon dating. page 73 dating techniques

Humans are innately a. aggressive, as demonstrated through the killer ape hypothesis. b. primed toward using tools. c. racialized, as biology and genetics determine before we are born what concrete racial category we fit into. d. non-violent and pacifist, as evidence from the lack of aggressive marks on skeletal remains.

b. primed toward using tools.

21. The best method for dating sites less than 50,000 years old would be a. K/Ar, or potassium argon dating. b. radiocarbon dating, or C14. c. Dating by Association. d. taking high-quality photographs of the stratigraphic layers.

b. radiocarbon dating, or C14. page 73

25. Imagine a human society based more on bonobo-like behavior. Would you expect to see the "killer ape hypothesis" gain or reduce popularization in such a society? a. It would be increased, since the hypothesis often serves to rationalize violence. Bonobos are often cited as the most aggressive and violent primates. b. It would be reduced, since the hypothesis supports alternatives to aggression for resolving conflict. Bonobos are often cited as the least aggressive and violent primates. c. It would be reduced, since the hypothesis often serves to rationalize violence. Bonobos are often cited as the least aggressive and violent primates. d. It would be increased, since the hypothesis undermines any justifications for violence. Bonobos are often cited as the most aggressive and violent primates.

c. It would be reduced, since the hypothesis often serves to rationalize violence. Bonobos are often cited as the least aggressive and violent primates. Box 4.1

43. Which statement most closely sums up the AAA statement on race? a. While biologically justified, race should not be used for the purposes of discrimination or other acts that position certain races as superior/inferior. b. When studying race, anthropologists should strive to incorporate as many lines of evidence as possible (biology, DNA/genetics, culture, etc.) so that our categories become more nuanced. c. Race was a convenient category that justified European (i.e., colonial) ideologies and policies (such as slavery) by labeling certain groups of people as inherently sub-human. d. The government should compensate all people who were once enslaved because of their race (this can be easily determined because our genetic studies are becoming ever more precise).

c. Race was a convenient category that justified European (i.e., colonial) ideologies and policies (such as slavery) by labeling certain groups of people as inherently sub-human. page 88

7. Which human remains are often best preserved? a. Post-cranial bones. b. The femur. c. Teeth. d. The skull.

c. Teeth. page 69 preservation and taphonomy

36. Which of the following statements is not true about Homo naledi? a. The assemblage of skeletal elements exceeds 1,500 and represents at least 15 individuals. b. All of the bones come from a cave in South Africa. c. There is evidence of cannibalism and tool use associated with the bones. d. The antiquity of the bones is uncertain.

c. There is evidence of cannibalism and tool use associated with the bones. page 82

37. Homo erectus (or Homo georgicus for splitters), being relatively larger than their predecessors, are associated with a. advanced physical abilities such as night vision. b. one of the first human groups to have the ability to brachiate. c. cultural developments like full-scale hunting, fire, and cooking. d. contributing to the extinction of Australopithecus groups.

c. cultural developments like full-scale hunting, fire, and cooking. page 83.

42. The evolution of skin color is thought to be affected by a. bipedalism. b. what temperature attributes our ancestors were exposed to (long, cold winters vs. long, hot summers). c. differing amounts of sunlight and our bodies' need for vitamin D. d. environmental factors, such as proximity to oceans/seas, deserts, etc.

c. differing amounts of sunlight and our bodies' need for vitamin D. page 86

18. The ultimate authority that decides the criteria for taxonomic systems a. is the American Anthropological Association (AAA). b. is the government of wherever the remains were found. c. does not exist - often, different researchers create different assignments. d. changes every five years, according to international standards.

c. does not exist - often, different researchers create different assignments. page 73

8. Taphonomy can tell us things such as a. the date of an archaeological finding, since it measures the amount of carbon left in organic matter. b. why bipedalism occurred (e.g., to help us carry things when walking upright). c. why a certain bone was broken, as it is the study of what happens to organic remains after death. d. why race is not a biological category, as it is the study of how vitamin D is processed by our bodies.

c. why a certain bone was broken, as it is the study of what happens to organic remains after death. page 70 Preservation and taphonomy

4. If an anthropologist is giving a talk on fossils, they are likely referring to a. any organic remains that have turned to stone. b. a full skeleton that has left its impression in stone. c. historical ideologies and the researchers that still incorporate them into their work. d. any preserved human remains, no matter their condition.

d. any preserved human remains, no matter their condition. Page 69.

26. Which of the following are not examples of differences between hominins and other hominoids? a. Hominins have thicker dental enamel and reduced prognathism. b. The dental arcade of hominins is usually parabolic (as opposed to u-shaped). c. Hominins have smaller canines and do not need diastemas to accommodate larger canines. d. Hominins are not bipedal.

d. Hominins are not bipedal. not sure page 76

6. Which of the following are not things that can be said about the human fossil record? a. It can be the interpretation of human evolution based on collected remains. b. It is simply the assemblage of bones collected. c. It is substantial, probably representing hundreds of individuals. d. It contains at least partial bone fragments of every species thought to at one time exist in our past.

d. It contains at least partial bone fragments of every species thought to at one time exist in our past. (not sure)

3.If you are hoping to discover a site with early human activity, a cave is a. a good choice to examine, because most early humans lived in caves. b. a neutral choice to examine, because early humans lived in caves but rarely died in them. c. a terrible choice to examine, because their environment usually speeds up deterioration of organic matter. d. an excellent choice to examine, because they protect remains from decomposition.

d. an excellent choice to examine, because they protect remains from decomposition.

5. A mummy, a mandible, and the Ice Man (a body found in ice believed to be around 5,300 years old) are all considered a. cursed objects. b. examples of Australopithecus remains. c. critical pieces of evidence in the "lumpers vs. splitters" debate. d. anthropological fossils

d. anthropological fossils

17. Taxonomic classification systems are a. rigid and unchanging, as they represent foundational knowledge for multiple disciplines. b. always unique, in that every researcher is required to create context-specific systems for whichever site or remains they are analyzing. c. governmentally-imposed. d. artificial, in the sense that they are only based on the educated guesses of researchers regarding population variability and fertile offspring.

d. artificial, in the sense that they are only based on the educated guesses of researchers regarding population variability and fertile offspring. page 73

1. The process of human evolution leading to modern Homo sapiens could be best described as a. a straight line. b. a winding, but linear, line. c. the multiple, equidistant petals of a daisy. d. branches on a tree.

d. branches on a tree.(not sure)

10. If someone tells you they study osteology, they could choose a career in a. cultural anthropology, helping understand the art left on cave walls. b. medical dentistry, understanding how and when teeth emerge. c. animal husbandry, assisting zoos in finding suitable genetic breeding pairs of animals. d. forensic anthropology, helping identify found human remains.

d. forensic anthropology, helping identify found human remains.

22. In order to be able to date a site using C14 dating techniques, a. there must be only human remains (other remains would contaminate the sample). b. it must have been at one point underwater. c. it should be at least 200,000 years old. d. there must be organic material.

d. there must be organic material. Page 73

bipedalism

form of terrestrial locomotion where an organism moves by means of its two rear limbs or legs

20. If your supervisor suggested that K/Ar dating techniques be used on the site you are working on, it would tell you that a. there was likely a volcano nearby. b. human remains were found. c. it is an ideal banana growing region. d. there is an isolated stratigraphic layer with no exposure to sunlight.

in page 73

radiocarbon dating is the best for dating sites that are

less than 50,000 years old assuming no written records exits

31. The main changes to the human skeleton to facilitate bipedalism centered around a. the fusing of specific and select leg and foot bones. b. the redistribution of weight. c. how the digestive system operates. d. the skull (such as the inner ear).

not c and not a 78-79

taphonomy

study of what happens to organic remains after death.

23. Dating by Association refers to a. the idea that if two things are found in the same stratigraphic layer, they are likely the same age. b. the initiative created by the American Anthropological Association to encourage its members to network. c. inferring a site's age through its exposure to volcanic ash. d. determining skeletal characteristics evolved in coordination with others.

the idea that if two things are found in the same stratigraphic layer, they are likely the same age. page 74

"race"

was a mode of classification linked specifically to people in the colonial situation,. It subssumed a growing ideology of inequality devised to rationalize European attitudes and treatment of conquered and enslaved Peoples. Proponents of slavery in particular during the 19th century, used"race" to justify the retention of slavery, and provided the rationalization that the inequality was natural or god-give>> the tragedy in the US has been that the policies and practices stemming from the worldview succeeded all too well in constructing unequal population among European, native american and people of African descents.

Principle of potassium argon dating

when volcanic sediment(such as ash or lava) is hot( expelled from the volcano), this is potassium, but no Argo, and as sediments begin to cool, potassium begins to change into argon and we know what of change is.