Question

Look at the figures and answer the following questions:

1. Identify and write the names of the evolving stages of human.
2. Write two features of each stage.
3. Write the complete classification of human (Kingdom to Species).
4. State the common features between apes and humans.

Answer 1

(i)

1. Australopithecus
2. Homo erectus
3. Homo sapiens sapiens (modern human)

(ii)

Australopithecus:

• They walked upright on two legs with a semi-erect posture.
• Their average height was about 120 cm tall.

Homo erectus:

• They walked completely upright with a fully erect posture.
• They were the first to make proper stone tools and discover the use of fire.

Homo sapiens sapiens:

• They possess a well-rounded skull with a distinct, prominent chin.
• They have a completely erect gait and significantly reduced body hair compared to their ancestors.

(iii)

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Hominidae
Genus:	Homo
Species:	Homo sapiens

(iv)

• Common Ancestry: Both apes and humans belong to the order Primates and share a close common evolutionary ancestor.
• Vision Type: Both groups possess forward-facing eyes that provide accurate stereoscopic or binocular vision.
• Hand Structure: Both have highly flexible grasping hands equipped with opposable thumbs and flat nails instead of sharp claws.
• Brain and Behavior: Both organisms have relatively large brains in proportion to their body size and exhibit complex social behaviors.