Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding evolution of mankind?

• A. The first upright man evolved from "handy man"
• B. Cro-Magnon man had a higher cranial capacity than that of Neanderthal man
• C. Australopithecus lived in Australia
• D. Cro-Magnon man belonged to the species Homo neanderthalensis

Answer 1

The correct option is A The first upright man evolved from "handy man"

Homo habilis lived in Africa about 2.5 million years ago. He was about 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall. He exhibited bipedal locomotion, but body proportions were still much like those of the Australopithecines. Homo habilis (habilis = skillful) or "handy man" was the first tool maker and used tools of chipped stones extensively. Homo erectus appeared about 1.7 million years ago. He had an erect/upright posture (as the name indicates), a low forehead, massive brow ridge with large, thick jaws without a pointed chin, small canines and molar teeth. He was omnivorous. He made more elaborate tools of stones and bones, hunted big game and is also believed to have used fire. Neanderthal man is believed to have had the highest cranial capacity (around 1600 cc) among all the stages of human evolution - even bigger than modern humans (about 1300 cc). The name 'Australopithecus' comes from the Latin word "australis" which means "southern". The genus was so named as it was first discovered in South Africa. "Cro-Magnon man" is the common name given to the first poppulation of the Homo sapiens.