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What human characteristics did Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy) have?

A) Bipedalism
B) Large brain
C) Use of fire
D) Advanced tool use

User Adonoho
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Final answer:

Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy) displayed the human characteristic of bipedalism, evidenced by skeletal structures like a wide and short pelvis. It had small brain size similar to chimpanzees and no evidence for use of fire or advanced tool use.

Step-by-step explanation:

Australopithecus afarensis, nicknamed Lucy, notably possessed the human characteristic of bipedalism. Compared to modern humans, A. afarensis had a smaller brain, and there is no evidence that it used fire or had advanced tool use. The notable morphological features such as a wide and short pelvis and the positioning of the foramen magnum support the bipedal locomotion ability. However, its brain size (approximately 400-500 cc) was relatively small, akin to that of a common chimpanzee, and lack of evidence for the use of fire or advanced tool use supports the assertion that Lucy exhibited bipedalism as the primary human-like characteristic.

Australopithecus afarensis had larger teeth and a more prognathic jaw compared to modern humans, and its arm bones and finger and toe bones were long and curved, indicative of tree-dwelling behavior alongside their bipedal movement. The anatomical differences between A. afarensis and modern humans suggest they did not move in exactly the same way. The human-like features are evidenced more in their skeletal structure adapted for bipedalism than in their cerebral capacity or behavioral traits such as tool use or control of fire.

User Antonius Common
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