Question

Most archaeological research supports the theory that the last common ancestor of hominins and apes was a/an ____ creature.

Answer 1

Archaeological research suggests the last common ancestor of hominins and apes was an arboreal creature similar to modern apes. Sahelanthropus tchadensis offers clues about this ancestor, which existed around the time humans and chimpanzees diverged, although later hominins like Australopithecus were clearly bipedal.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most archaeological research supports the theory that the last common ancestor of hominins and apes was an arboreal creature. This last common ancestor possessed characteristics similar to modern apes, with adaptations suited for life in the trees. The discovery of Sahelanthropus tchadensis helps to illuminate this part of human evolutionary history, though its exact placement in the human lineage and whether it was bipedal remains a matter of scientific study. Hominins like Australopithecus evolved approximately four million years ago and were known to be bipedal, a key differentiation from earlier ancestors. Nevertheless, earlier creatures such as the common ancestor of hominins and apes would have had more ape-like qualities and were most likely arboreal living in tree habitats.

Answer 2

Arboreal

Step-by-step explanation:

Arboreal Definition:

Arbor is a Latin word meaning “tree”. Thus, arboreal means “related to or pertaining to trees”. The other similar words (synonyms) include arborous, arboraceous, arborary. Arbiform is the word used for expressing the term “resembling a tree”

Arboreal Animals

Arboreal animals : are those animals that spend most of their life on trees. They feed, travel, play, and sleep on trees. They prefer to grow their young ones on the trees, which is a difficult task because the newborns are always prone to fall on the ground from height. However, they have adapted themselves in such a manner that these animals can now easily live on such heights. Examples of such animals include chameleons, lizards, green tree pythons, tree snails, koalas, squirrels, cats, monkeys, parrots, sloths, and a variety of insects. Leopards and goats are also considered arboreal because of their excellent ability to climb the trees. Leopards can carry their kills to the top of trees to avoid other predators and scavengers.