Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Homo
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the timeline of human evolution. The earliest ancestors are those that appeared first in the fossil record, while the most recent are closer to modern humans.
Identify the characteristics and approximate time periods of each genus: Sahelanthropus is one of the earliest known hominins, dating back about 7 million years ago. Ardipithecus lived around 4.4 million years ago. Australopithecus species existed between 4 and 2 million years ago. Homo genus includes modern humans and their closest ancestors, appearing around 2 million years ago.
Arrange these genera in chronological order based on their appearance in the fossil record: Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Homo.
Compare the given options to the chronological order established in the previous step. Look for the sequence that matches: Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Homo.
Select the option that correctly lists the probable ancestors of modern humans from the earliest to the most recent, which is: Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Homo.