BIO A 201 - 11.07.25 Evolution of Primates & Early Hominins - Week 7 Flashcards 3

Australopithecus

Genus of early hominins known for both bipedalism and climbing.

Ardipithecus

An early genus of hominins that shows traits of both bipedality and arboreal adaptations.

Auroran Tugatensis

An early bipedal candidate with significant evidence indicating potential bipedality.

Cortical Bone Distribution

The pattern of bone density on the femur indicating bipedal behavior, thicker on the inside for weight support.

Gracile Australopithecine

A classification of Australopithecines that are lighter and less robust, like Afarensis and Africanus.

Robust Australopithecine

A classification of Australopithecines characterized by large teeth and skull features adapted for heavy chewing.

Paranthropus

A genus of robust Australopithecines known for adaptations in cranial anatomy related to chewing.

Sagittal Crest

A ridge of bone running along the top of the skull, indicative of strong chewing muscles.

Lumpers and Splitters

Terms used to describe differing approaches in classification: lumpers group similar species together while splitters distinguish species based on small differences.

Oldowan Tool Culture

The first known stone tool industry, characterized by simple, unrefined tools used by early Homo. Mode 1.

Sexual Dimorphism

The differences in physical characteristics between males and females of the same species.

Divergent First Toe

A feature of some early hominins that indicates climbing ability; not fully aligned with the other toes.

Hominin Diversification

The process of evolution and variety among different species of hominins, beginning about 4 million years ago in Africa.

Paranthropus

A genus of robust australopithecines with unique cranial features such as large molars and a sagittal crest.

Oldowan Tool Industry

The earliest known stone tool culture characterized by simple tools made by modifying stones.

Plio-Pleistocene Climate

The climatic conditions during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, marked by significant cooling and drying periods.

Food Sharing

The practice of sharing food among group members, important for social structures in hominins.

Long juvenile period

An extended period of development in young hominins, associated with complex learning and social behaviors.

Sagittal crest

A ridge of bone running lengthwise along the midline of the top of the skull, indicating strong jaw muscles.

Acheulean Tool Industry

A stone tool culture characterized by sophisticated bifacial handaxes and cleavers, associated with Homo erectus.

Gracile Australopithecines

A group of early hominins within the genus Australopithecus, generally characterized by a lighter build in the skull and teeth compared to robust forms.