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The Dmanisi crania are similar to those of H. erectus in that _________.

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Final answer:

The Dmanisi crania share similarities with Homo erectus, such as small jaws and teeth, a sagittal keel, and bipedalism with humanlike feet, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship between these species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Dmanisi crania are similar to those of Homo erectus in that they have small jaws and teeth, and like Homo erectus, exhibit a characteristic known as a sagittal keel, a small raised ridge on top of the skull. Additionally, the Dmanisi fossils suggest that these hominids were bipedal and walked with a human gait, which is also seen in Homo erectus. As with Homo erectus, the Dmanisi humans displayed humanlike feet with arches and ankles, which are important features for bipedal locomotion.

While the Dmanisi crania resemble those of Homo erectus in some aspects, they also share features with other early Homo species. The third molar of the Dmanisi individuals is larger compared to other molars, a trait also found in australopithecines and some early Homo species. This reflects a transitional morphology between earlier hominins and Homo erectus, showcasing an evolutionary progression in hominin dental development.

Overall, the Dmanisi crania provide a bridge in our understanding of hominin evolution and highlight the similarities in skull structure that they share with Homo erectus, especially in features accommodating bipedalism and humanlike foot structure, which are significant for the movements and lifestyle that characterize the genus Homo.

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