1. Explain the process of natural selection (Darwin’s 3 postulates). Why is variation necessary for natural selection to work? In the example of Darwin’s finches, how did the birds vary? What was the selective pressure that the population experienced and how did that alter the population from one generation to the next? Define microevolution and macroevolution. How did Darwin’s finches show microevolution? How did Do they show macroevolution?
2.
Use the measurements in the table below to calculate the facial index for the listed species. What does the facial index tell us about hominin skulls? Explain how and why the facial index of hominin species has changed over evolutionary history. Discuss the selective pressures that have favored these changes. Compare at least three different species we have examined as examples to illustrate these changes.
Chimpanzee (male) Human (euro male) A. Afarensis H. erectus nasion to prosthion
78
70 84 80 basion to bregma
85
132 91 104
Your Answer:
3.
Compare the features of the skeleton related to locomotion for chimps, modern humans, and one species of hominin of your choice. Be sure to talk about at least 4 parts of the skeleton, including the iliac blade. Compare how they are shaped in the different species, and explain how they function in the bipeds. Include a discussion of the iliac index and what the index tells us about the iliac blade and how it has changed over hominin evolution.
Chimpanzee (male) Human (euro male) A. afarensis H. erectus iliac width
110
125 96 130 iliac height
167
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