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The press recently reported: 'Anthropologists have uncovered ancient fossil footprints in Kenya dating back 1.5 million years, the oldest evidence that indicates our ancestors walked like present-day humans…' a - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 6
The press recently reported: 'Anthropologists have uncovered ancient fossil footprints in Kenya dating back 1.5 million years, the oldest evidence that indicates ou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The press recently reported: 'Anthropologists have uncovered ancient fossil footprints in Kenya dating back 1.5 million years, the oldest evidence that indicates our ancestors walked like present-day humans…' a - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. Give one significant feature of the footprints that would have led anthropologists to this conclusion.
Answer
One significant feature of the footprints is that they indicate a bipedal gait, as the big toe is arranged parallel to the other toes. This feature suggests that the individuals walked upright, similar to present-day humans.
Step 2
b. With reference to two structural features of the skull, which skull set represents Homo erectus? Justify your choice.
Answer
Skull set: Skull set 2
Justification: Skull set 2 represents Homo erectus due to its prominent brow ridge and smaller cranial capacity compared to Homo sapiens. These features are characteristic of Homo erectus, indicating a more robust skull structure adapted for a different environmental and cognitive context.