Textbook Question
In the chordate phylogenetic tree below, fill in the shared derived character that defines each clade.
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Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Biology: The Study of Scientific Life19
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Basis of Life17
- Ch. 3 The Molecules of Cells21
- Ch. 4 A Tour of the Cell20
- Ch. 5 The Working Cell17
- Ch. 6 How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy18
- Ch. 7 Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food15
- Ch. 8 The Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance22
- Ch. 9 Patterns of Inheritance17
- Ch. 10 Molecular Biology of the Gene13
- Ch. 11 How Genes Are Controlled13
- Ch. 12 DNA Technology and Genomics23
- Ch. 13 How Populations Evolve17
- Ch. 14 The Origin of Species19
- Ch. 15 Tracing Evolutionary History18
- Ch. 16 Microbial Life: Prokaryotes and Protists16
- Ch. 17 The Evolution of Plant and Fungal Diversity15
- Ch. 18 The Evolution of Invertebrate Diversity13
- Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity18
- Ch. 20 Unifying Concepts of Animal Structure and Function11
- Ch. 21 Nutrition and Digestion16
- Ch. 22 Gas Exchange16
- Ch. 23 Circulation17
- Ch. 24 The Immune System16
- Ch. 25 Control of Body Temperature and Water Balance20
- Ch. 26 Hormones and the Endocrine System10
- Ch. 27 Reproduction and Embryonic Development12
- Ch. 28 Nervous Systems10
- Ch. 29 The Senses12
- Ch. 30 How Animals Move19
- Ch. 31 Plant Structure, Growth, and Reproduction9
- Ch. 32 Plant Nutrition and Transport12
- Ch. 33 Control Systems in Plants15
- Ch. 34 The Biosphere: An Introduction to Earth's Diverse Environments15
- Ch. 35 Behavioral Adaptations to the Environment12
- Ch. 36 Population Ecology15
- Ch. 37 Communities and Ecosystems14
- Ch. 38 Conservation Biology14
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate DiversityProblem 5
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate DiversityProblem 5Chapter 19, Problem 5
Fossils suggest that the first major trait distinguishing hominins from other primates was
a. A larger brain.
b. Erect posture.
c. Forward-facing eyes with depth perception.
d. Tool making.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the term 'hominins': Hominins refer to the group of species that includes modern humans, our immediate ancestors, and other extinct relatives that are more closely related to us than to chimpanzees.
Identify the key evolutionary traits of hominins: Traits such as bipedalism (walking on two legs), larger brain size, tool use, and other adaptations distinguish hominins from other primates.
Analyze the timeline of evolutionary traits: Fossil evidence suggests that bipedalism (erect posture) appeared early in hominin evolution, predating the development of larger brains, advanced tool use, and other traits.
Consider the role of bipedalism: Walking upright on two legs is a defining characteristic of hominins and is considered the first major trait that set them apart from other primates.
Review the other options: Larger brain size, tool making, and forward-facing eyes with depth perception are important traits, but they either appeared later in evolution or are shared with other primates, making bipedalism the most likely answer.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hominins
Hominins are a group of species that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives. They are characterized by traits that distinguish them from other primates, such as bipedalism and increased brain size. Understanding the evolutionary lineage of hominins is crucial for interpreting fossil evidence and identifying key traits that set them apart from other primates.
Bipedalism
Bipedalism refers to the ability to walk on two legs, which is a defining characteristic of hominins. This adaptation is believed to have evolved due to various environmental pressures, allowing early hominins to travel longer distances and free their hands for tool use. Fossil evidence, such as the structure of the pelvis and leg bones, provides insights into the evolution of bipedalism in hominins.
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Guided course
05:26
Primates
Cognitive Evolution
Cognitive evolution encompasses the development of advanced brain functions, including problem-solving, planning, and tool-making abilities. A larger brain relative to body size is often associated with increased cognitive capabilities. This concept is essential for understanding how hominins distinguished themselves from other primates, particularly in their ability to create and use tools, which played a significant role in their survival and adaptation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
A lamprey, a shark, a lizard, and a rabbit share all the following characteristics except
a. Pharyngeal slits in the embryo or adult.
b. Vertebrae.
c. Hinged jaws.
d. A dorsal, hollow nerve cord.
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Textbook Question
Why were the Tiktaalik fossils an exciting discovery for scientists studying tetrapod evolution?
a. They are the earliest frog-like animal discovered to date.
b. They show that tetrapods successfully colonized land much earlier than previously thought.
c. They have a roughly equal combination of fishlike and tetrapod-like characteristics.
d. They demonstrate conclusively that limbs evolved as lobe-fins dragged themselves from pond to pond during droughts.
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Textbook Question
Which of the following correctly lists possible ancestors of humans from the oldest to the most recent?
a. Homo erectus, Australopithecus, Homo habilis
b. Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus
c. Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Homo habilis
d. Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis
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Textbook Question
Which of these is not a member of the anthropoids?
a. Chimpanzee
b. Tarsier
c. Human
d. New World monkey
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Textbook Question
Studies of DNA support which of the following?
a. Members of the group called australopiths were the first to migrate from Africa.
b. Homo sapiens originated in Africa.
c. Sahelanthropus was the earliest hominin.
d. Chimpanzees are more similar to gorillas and orangutans than to humans.
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