Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

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Compare the skulls of a variety of significant human ancestors, or hominids. Use available tools to measure lengths, areas, and angles of important features. Each skull can be viewed from the front, side, or from below. Additional information regarding the age, location, and discoverer of each skull can be displayed.

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Assessment Questions (5):

  1. Of the skulls below, which one shows the most evidence of upright walking?

    Four skulls
  2. Which statement is most likely to be true, based on the drawings below?

    Two skulls
  3. A series of measurements were made on four skulls (descriptions of the measurements can be found in the Exploration Guide). Which is most likely a modern human skull?

    Data table

    *The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the cranium to the area of the face.

    **The angle from the bridge of the nose to the incisors to the last molar.

    ***The ratio of the distance from the center of the foramen magnum to the back of the skull to the distance from the center of the foramen magnum to the front of the skull.
  4. The Neanderthal skeleton known as the "old man" showed evidence of many injuries over a long life. Several broken bones had healed, and almost all of his teeth had fallen out. What does this most likely indicate?
  5. Skulls can reveal many things about our hominid ancestors. What aspect of hominids is not related to skull anatomy?

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