Final answer:
A fossilized skull of a modern Homo sapiens would have a prominent chin, high vertical forehead, small brow ridges, a round and globular skull shape, a cranial capacity around 1350 cc, and lack primitive features like a sagittal keel or occipital bun.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you have found a fossilized skull and concluded that it's modern Homo sapiens, the skull must exhibit certain characteristic features that differentiate it from other hominins. Modern human skulls typically have a high forehead, a round and globular skull, smaller and less pronounced brow ridges compared to earlier hominins, and a prominent chin with a vertical forehead. The cranial capacity of a modern Homo sapiens is generally around 1350 cubic centimeters and displays a significant reduction in prognathism. Homo sapiens also lack any form of sagittal keel or occipital bun, which are more primitive features observed in species such as Homo erectus or Homo antecessor.
- Defining Features of Modern Homo sapiens Skulls
- Prominent chin with reduced prognathism (forward projection of the jaw and mouth)
- High, vertical forehead
- Round, globular skull shape
- Cranial capacity around 1350 cc
- Small brow ridges
- No sagittal keel or occipital bun