Question

Which traits of Australopithecus anamensis are ape-like? Which of its traits are human-like? When and where did it exist?

Answer 1

Australopithecus anamensis exhibited both ape-like traits, such as long curved fingers and toes, and human-like traits, such as bipedalism and a pelvis shape similar to modern humans. They lived around 4.2 million years ago in Eastern Africa.

Step-by-step explanation:

The species Australopithecus anamensis had a mix of ape-like and human-like traits. It existed around 4.2 million years ago.

Ape-like traits include:

• Long and curved finger and toe bones, indicative of an ability to hang from branches.
• Sexual dimorphism with males being substantially larger than females, resembling modern gorillas and orangutans.
• A smaller brain size relative to body mass, similar to that of great apes.

Human-like traits include:

• Bipedalism, as demonstrated by hominin footprints found in Laetoli, Tanzania, which were similar to those of modern humans.
• The shape of the pelvis being more similar to that of modern humans, indicating adapted bipedal movement.
• Reduction in the size of dentition and jaw compared to apes, although still larger than modern humans.

Australopithecus anamensis lived in Eastern Africa and is considered an important link in human evolution, showcasing the transition from more ape-like to human-like characteristics over time.