Question

Which of the following is a correct match regarding cranial capacity and location of respective fossil?

• A. Australopithecus - Africa (450 - 600 c.c.)
• B. Java man - Germany (800 c.c.)
• C. Neanderthal - Africa (500 - 600 c.c.)
• D. Homo sapiens - South-east Asia (1400 - 1500 c.c.)

Answer 1

The correct option is A Australopithecus - Africa (450 - 600 c.c.)

Brain size estimates suggest that the brain of Homo sapiens was larger than in other hominin species. The average cranial capacity of Homo sapiens is roughly 1300 cubic centimeters, making the brains of this species absolutely smaller than those of Homo neanderthalensis. Neanderthals were early H. sapiens. According to the fossil evidence, Neanderthals had heavy bones, thick brow ridges, and a small chin. However, skull sizes indicate that Neanderthals had a cranial capacity averaging 1,450 cm3. This is slightly larger than the cranial capacity of modern humans. Java man was characterized by a cranial capacity averaging 900 cubic cm, a skull flat in profile with little forehead, a crest along the top of the head for attachment of powerful jaw muscles, very thick skull bones, heavy brow ridges and a massive jaw with no chin. Cranial capacity of Australopithecus is 450 - 600 cc. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.