Question

Briefly discuss the three different paths of hominin evolution. Describe each path separately by discussing where it was happening and how the evolving species are marked by the four hominin evolutionary trends as well as naming as many species as you can.

a. East African Rift Path; Australopithecus afarensis, Homo habilis
b. South African Path; Australopithecus africanus, Paranthropus robustus
c. Chad Path; Sahelanthropus tchadensis
d. European Path; Homo antecessor

Answer 1

There are three paths of hominin evolution: East African Rift Path, South African Path, and Chad Path. Each path has different evolving species marked by the four hominin evolutionary trends. Notable species include Homo habilis, Australopithecus afarensis, Homo antecessor, and more.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are three different paths of hominin evolution. The East African Rift Path is characterized by the presence of Australopithecus afarensis and Homo habilis. This path was happening in East Africa. The South African Path is marked by Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus and it was happening in South Africa. The Chad Path is represented by Sahelanthropus tchadensis and was happening in Chad. Lastly, the European Path is associated with Homo antecessor and was happening in Europe.

These evolving species are marked by the four hominin evolutionary trends, namely bipedal locomotion, brain expansion, tool use, and cultural developments. For example, Homo habilis is known for making and using stone tools and is considered one of the first toolmakers. Australopithecus afarensis, on the other hand, is known for its bipedal locomotion.

Other notable species in hominin evolution include Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, Neanderthals, and Denisovans.