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What traits would you expect to see on a hominin skeleton?

User Jeff Ames
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Final answer:

Hominin skeletons exhibit traits that include small jaws and teeth, bipedal locomotion, humanlike feet, and a skull with a sagittal keel. Homo naledi is an example of a species with a mix of primitive and modern traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The study of hominin skeletons reveals a combination of both primitive and modern traits that offer insights into human evolution. These traits include:

  • Small jaws and teeth, with a third molar larger than the other molars, a characteristic found in australopithecines and some early Homo species.
  • A skull shape resembling H. erectus or H. habilis, often with a sagittal keel, a small raised ridge on top of the skull.
  • Bipedal locomotion with a human gait and humanlike feet featuring arches and ankles.
  • Skull exhibits prognathism, suggesting a protruding face, with a primitive shoulder position for climbing.
  • Curved fingers implying an adaptation for clinging or climbing.
  • Homo naledi is known for a mix of old and modern traits, with feet indistinguishable from modern humans.
  • Homo habilis showcases a brain size over 600 cc, reduced prognathism, and tool use.
  • Homo antecessor exhibits traits such as an occipital bun for skull weight balance and facial depression above the canine tooth called the canine fossa.
  • Neanderthals possess an occipital bun, large brow ridges, a large nasal cavity, and a robust build.

Aside from bipedalism, criteria for classifying a species under the genus Homo may include brain size, skull shape, tool use, and specialized anatomical features for particular movement and behavior.

User Jottr
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