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Describe the features of the Taung species in regards to canines, face, and foramen magnum. What type of locomotion would it have likely had?

User Pedroca
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Final answer:

The Taung species, part of Australopithecus africanus, had small canines, a face with minimal prognathism, and a forward-positioned foramen magnum, supporting bipedal locomotion with a humanlike gait.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Taung species, which is part of Australopithecus africanus, exhibited several features that differentiated it from both apes and modern humans. It had small canines and a face with minimal prognathism, more akin to humans than to great apes. The Taung child specifically had small jaws and teeth, which contrasts with larger third molars, typical of australopithecines and some early Homo species. Notably, the foramen magnum of the species was positioned forward, which coupled with a more rounded skull shape, indicated bipedalism, suggesting that the Taung species walked upright in a manner similar to humans. This is further supported by humanlike feet with arches and ankles, and the absence of long and curved digits that would suggest tree-dwelling behaviors. The locomotion of the Taung species was likely bipedal with a human gait, though not identical to modern human movement.

User JiriS
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