Pre-Lab: Investigating Hominoid Fossils
Problem What can a comparison of skulls and hands reveal about the evolution of humans?
Materials metric ruler, protractor
Lab Manual Chapter 26 Lab
Skills Focus Measure, Analyze Data, Compare and Contrast
Connect to the To learn about the evolution of humans, scientists study both close relatives and possible ancestors. Fossils of possible ancestors are rare, and complete skeletons are even rarer. Yet, scientists have gained valuable information from those fossils that have been found. In this lab, you will make measurements that a paleontologist might make after finding a fossil. Then, you will use your data to make inferences about human evolution.
Review What are hominoids, and what are hominines?
Explain Use the examples of chimpanzees and humans to explain the difference between evolutionary relatives and ancestors.
Compare and Contrast What is the difference between the locomotion of humans and the locomotion of chimpanzees?
Preview the procedure in the lab manual.
Use Models What will you use instead of actual skulls and hands to make your measurements?
Interpret Visuals The bony cavities in a skull that protect the eyes are called orbits, or eye sockets. On the skulls, what does line AC measure? What does line BC measure?
Use Analogies Shoe sizes such as 9A and 11E (or 9 narrow and 11 extra-wide) are an example of an index. What two measurements are being compared in a shoe index?
Visit Chapter 26 online to test yourself on chapter content and to find activities to help you learn.
Untamed Science Video Join the Untamed Science crew as they talk with insect experts to better understand why there are more than a million insects.
Art Review Review your understanding of different hominoids.
InterActive Art Build a cladogram of invertebrates.
Data Analysis Compare data on the H. floresiensis fossil and modern H. sapiens and determine if they are separate species.