Chapter 22 Outline

Human Evolution

Primate characteristics and diversity precede an examination of the evolution of Homo sapiens.

Chapter Outline

In this chapter outline, the learning objectives and the selected key terms are given for each major head in the chapter.

1. Trace the evolution of humans in general terms from the Cambrian period to the

Neogene period.

Selected Key Terms: mammal

Primates Live in Trees (p. 357)

2. List and discuss characteristics shared by primates that are adaptations to an

arboreal life.

primate

Primates Are Diverse (p. 357)

3. Describe the living prosimians in terms of their appearance and way of life.

4. Describe the two groups of living monkeys and

Proconsul

as the common hominoid ancestor.

5. Describe the four groups of living apes and their relatedness to us as determined

by molecular biology.

6. Give an ecological explanation for the separation of the hominid line and the ape

line of descent.

prosimian, anthropoid, hominoid, molecular clock, hominid

The Hominids Break Away (p. 362)

7. Explain how the various Australopithecus species are believed to be

related to one another and to the Homo line of descent.

8. Discuss

Homo habilis and Homo erectus, including

their respective anatomies and possible ways of life.

9. Describe and discuss two opposing hypotheses concerning the origin of humans.

10. Discuss Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon and explain how each species relates to

these hypotheses.

australopithecine, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal,

Cro-Magnon
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