Question

Hominid hind limbs became longer and stronger than their front limbs over time. Also, the largest toe on the hind limbs became smaller and closer to the other toes. Which of the following best explains the reason for this general trend in hominid evolution that occurred over millions of years?

A. As hominids evolved, their brain size increased and their overall height decreased.
B. As hominids evolved, their grasping abilities increased, improving their climbing abilities.
C. Hominids evolved to arboreal lifestyles in order to increase access to food sources.

Answer 1

The answer is Hominids evolved to walk upright on their hind limbs, reducing the need for opposable toes.

As hominids evolved, their brain size and height increased. They left climbing and arboreal lifestyles and begun to walk upright. For that reason their hind limbs became longer and stronger than their front limbs over time. The largest toe on the hind limbs was no longer needed for climbing activities so it became smaller and closer to the other toes.