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5.8: Critical Thinking Questions

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  • Page ID
    150216

    • Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, & Marjorie M. Snipes
    • OpenStax
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    1. What are some of the key anatomical differences between Australopithecus and one of the species in the genus Homo?
    2. What criteria would you use to define a species belonging to the genus Homo?
    3. What are some of the limitations in using the currently known criteria for classifying a species under the genus Homo?
    4. What are some of the explanations or hypotheses for the increasing brain size (encephalization) seen in the genus Homo?
    5. Based on current evidence, form a hypothesis as to what you think caused the extinction of the Neanderthal. What gave modern humans the edge?
    6. In what ways has genetic research enabled modern humans to track their story?
    7. What are some similarities between Homo naledi, Homo floresiensis, and Homo luzonensis, and what makes them so unique?
    8. In what way are humans still evolving today? Can you provide an example?

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