Question

What are the four trends of hominin evolution? Discuss which trends happen and when (not necessarily specific dates, but relative to each other in chronological order). Use species names as examples.

a. Bipedalism; Early hominins (Australopithecus)
b. Encephalization; Homo habilis and Homo erectus
c. Tool use and development; Homo habilis and Homo erectus
d. Expansion of dietary breadth; Homo habilis and Homo erectus

Answer 1

The four trends of hominin evolution are: Bipedalism, Encephalization, Tool use and development, and Expansion of dietary breadth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The four trends of hominin evolution are:

1. Bipedalism: This trend began with early hominins like Australopithecus, who were the first evidence of bipedal hominins.
2. Encephalization: Homo habilis and Homo erectus represent this trend as they showed an increase in brain size compared to Australopithecus.
3. Tool use and development: Homo habilis and Homo erectus also exemplify this trend as they were known to use and develop tools.
4. Expansion of dietary breadth: Again, Homo habilis and Homo erectus demonstrate this trend as they had a broader diet compared to Australopithecus, incorporating more diverse foods into their diet.