Homo Naledi,recently Discovered in South Africa,has a Sagittal Keel,large Browridge,thick

question 40

Multiple Choice

Homo naledi,recently discovered in South Africa,has a sagittal keel,large browridge,thick cranial bones,and reduced tooth size.The brain size is small,close to 500cc. Where might this new species fit in the larger pattern of human evolution in Africa?

• A)H.naledi seems most likely a member of the genus Homo;however,its small brain size is regarded as a primitive hominin trait more reminiscent of the australopithecines.
• B)H.naledi sits comfortably at the juncture of Australopithecus and early Homo,since all of its traits seem intermediate between the two.
• C)H.naledi has several traits that do not fit with the genus Homo,including its large browridge and thick cranial bones;however,it must be Homo because it is securely dated to 1 mya.
• D)H.naledi demonstrates the exact mix of traits expected for a new Homo fossil of this time period and this region.

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