Science Notebook - Student Edition

Primate Evolution 167

Main Idea Details

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Section 16.3 Human Ancestry (continued)

The Homo Genus

I found this information

on page.

Identify the correct species from the list below for each of the

following characteristics.

• H. habilis • H. erectus • H. heidelbergensis


• H. ergaster • H. floresiensis • H. neanderthalensis

Characteristic Homo Species

Evidence suggests they cared for their

sick and buried their dead

More versatile than predecessors; adapted

successfully to a variety of environments

First undisputed member of the Homo

genus

Nicknamed “The Hobbit” because of its

small size

Larger and more heavily muscled than

modern humans

Believed to have had the first human nose

(nostrils facing downward)

Classification for various transitional

fossils that display a mosaic of H. ergaster

and H. sapiens traits

Name means “handy man” because of

association with primitive stone tools

Probably evolved from H. erectus or a

Homo intermediary

First African Homo species to migrate in

large numbers to Asia and Europe

Serves as evidence that H. erectus or some

other ancient hominin species remained

on Earth until 12,000 years ago

Identify a Homo species that scientists hypothesize to be a human

ancestor, based on features shared with modern humans.

Identify a Homo species that scientists believe was not a human

ancestor, based on DNA tests on fossil bones.