Question

A paleontologist finds a relatively complete skeleton but isn’t sure if it is an ape fossil or a hominid fossil. Which of the following features would NOT help distinguish between the two choices?

a. position of the opening in the skull for the spinal cord
b. design of the pelvis
c. relative length of the hind limbs
d. position of the eyes

Answer 1

c. relative length of the hind limbs. Overall fossilized apes and hominids are 90+% similar in the past 3.5 million years since Australopithecus afarensis but this one aspect of upper vs. lower limbs is the greatest difference. Hope this helps!