The skeletal structures of two extinct members of the hominin family tree, Australopithecus africanus and Homo neanderthalensis, are shown below - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 11
The skeletal structures of two extinct members of the hominin family tree, Australopithecus africanus and Homo neanderthalensis, are shown below.
2. Examine the ske... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The skeletal structures of two extinct members of the hominin family tree, Australopithecus africanus and Homo neanderthalensis, are shown below - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
pelvic structure
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Answer
Australopithecus africanus has a wider pelvic girdle compared to Homo neanderthalensis. This wider structure is significant as it helps Australopithecus to maintain a more upright posture, which aligns with its center of gravity.
Step 2
arm to leg length ratio
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Answer
Australopithecus africanus possesses a longer arm to leg length ratio than Homo neanderthalensis. This is significant because a longer arm length indicates adaptations for arboreal activities, suggesting that Australopithecus may have engaged in knuckle walking more than Neanderthal individuals.
