Question

What was the most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens)?

• A. Opposable thumb
• B. Bipedalism
• C. Decrease in prognathism
• D. Increase in the cranial capacity

Answer 1

The correct option is D Increase in the cranial capacity

A lot of morphological changes have occurred in the course of human evolution. Some of them are:

1. Attainment of bipedalism: It refers to the movement involving two feet (hind limbs).

2. Decrease in the prognathism (Prognathism is the protrusion of jaws as observed in hominid ancestors).

3. Reduction in the body hair.

4. The presence of an opposable thumb, meaning the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives the ability to grasp things. It is present to some extent in all primates but is most developed in humans.

5. Increase in the cranial capacity: Since our intelligence sets us apart from all other species, increase in the cranial capacity is considered to be the most significant trend in human evolution as there is considerable increase in brain size.

The brain capacities of Homo habilis were between 650-800cc.
Homo erectus had a brain capacity of around 900cc.
The Neanderthal man had a brain capacity of 1400cc.
The cranial capacity of Homo sapiens is around 1300cc-1600 cc.