Question

question 15 (multiple choice worth 4 points)
(05.03 mc)

skulls of (1) modern gorilla, (2) australopithecus afarensis, (3) homo erectus, (4) homo neanderthalensis, (5) modern human

which of the following can be inferred from the differences between the skulls of australopithecus afarensis and homo neanderthalensis?

• australopithecus afarensis had a longer skull than homo neanderthalensis and was the first hominid to create tools.
• australopithecus afarensis had a more pronounced nose than homo neanderthalensis, suited to breathing cold air.
• homo neanderthalensis was taller than australopithecus afarensis and was able to walk upright first.
• homo neanderthalensis had a larger cranial capacity than australopithecus afarensis and had a larger brain.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Australopithecus afarensis was not the first to create tools (earlier hominins or other species; also, skull length doesn't directly relate to tool - making here). Eliminate.
2. Analyze Option 2: Australopithecus afarensis lived in warmer climates, and a more pronounced nose for cold air is a trait of Homo neanderthalensis (adapted to cold). So this is incorrect. Eliminate.
3. Analyze Option 3: Australopithecus afarensis was one of the first to walk upright, and skull differences don't directly indicate height or who walked upright first. Eliminate.
4. Analyze Option 4: As hominins evolved (from Australopithecus to Homo neanderthalensis), cranial capacity (and thus brain size) increased. The skull of Homo neanderthalensis shows a larger cranial cavity compared to Australopithecus afarensis, indicating a larger brain. This is correct.

Answer:

D. Homo neanderthalensis had a larger cranial capacity than Australopithecus afarensis and had a larger brain.