Given below are two stages in the evolution of man. Study them and answer the questions that follow: Given below are two stages in the evolution of man. Study them and answer the questions that follow:
Mention two characteristic features each for the two stages.
Topic: Features of Australopithecus and Neanderthal man
Answer
AUSTRALOPITHECUS:
- Small cranial capacity of about 450–600 cc.
- Walked ERECT, with a distinct lumbar curve and a broad pelvis, though the face and jaw were still ape-like.
NEANDERTHAL MAN:
- Cranial capacity of about 1450 cc — nearly that of modern man.
- Completely BIPEDAL, with a large head, prominent brow ridges and a receding chin; he made stone tools, used fire and BURIED HIS DEAD.
Two features each, one mark for the pair. Give the CRANIAL CAPACITY for both — the figures are the sharpest way to distinguish them and cost only a few words.
For Neanderthal man, the BURIAL OF THE DEAD is the most telling feature to add: it is the first evidence in the fossil record of ritual, and therefore of abstract thought about death.
THE LINE OF EVOLUTION in order, with brain size increasing throughout: Australopithecus (450-600 cc) → Homo erectus (900 cc) → Neanderthal (1450 cc) → Cro-Magnon (1600 cc) → modern man.