Intro to Human Evolution - Exam 3 Review

A set of 10 question-and-answer flashcards based on the Exam 3 study guide and geology dating lectures, covering dating techniques, earth layers, and early hominin evolution.

What is the primary difference between Relative Dating and Absolute Dating?

Relative Dating provides no solid age but determines how old things are relative to one another, while Absolute Dating gives an approximate age estimation in years.

What is the fundamental rule of the relative dating technique known as Stratigraphy?

The key rule is that layers of sediment accumulate with time such that the oldest layers are always on the bottom.

What is the half-life of $\text{carbon-14}$ and for what time range is radiocarbon dating useful?

The half-life of $\text{carbon-14}$ is $5,730\,\text{years}$, and it is useful for dating materials from the last $60,000\,\text{years}$.

Which materials are used for $\text{Potassium-Argon}$ dating, and what is the half-life of $\text{40K}$?

$\text{Potassium-Argon}$ dating is used on volcanic deposits such as lava flows, and the half-life of $\text{40K}$ is $1.25\,\text{billion years}$.

In $\text{Uranium}$ series dating, what are the half-lives for $\text{238U}$ and $\text{234U}$ as specified in the lecture?

The half-life of $\text{238U}$ is $248,000\,\text{yrs}$ and the half-life of $\text{234U}$ is $75,200\,\text{yrs}$.

According to the lecture, what are the four layers of the Earth?

The four layers are the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

Who are identified as our closest living relatives in the study guide?

Chimps.

What are the three genera listed as the first evidence for early hominins?

$\text{Ardipithecus}$, $\text{Orrorin}$, and $\text{Sahelanthropus}$.

What unique physical features characterize the genus $\text{Paranthropus}$?

$\text{Paranthropus}$ is characterized as being large-toothed and flat-faced.

What are the two differing models of modern human evolution mentioned in the study guide?

$\text{Multiregionalism/Regional Continuity}$ versus $\text{Out of Africa/Replacement}$.