Understanding Main Ideas

1. Describe the history of at least three major discoveries that led to our current understanding of hominid evolution.

2. Why was the development of bipedalism a very important event in the evolution of hominids?

3. What evidence supports the idea that H. habilis was an ancestor of H. erectus?

4. Identify and describe the evidence that supports the idea that Neanderthals were not the ancestors of Cro-Magnon people.

Bipedalism, evidence of ancestry between H. habilis and H. erectus, and the relationship between Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon people are key concepts in hominid evolution.

Explanation:

Bipedalism in hominids played a crucial role in their evolution as it allowed for efficient movement over long distances and the freeing of hands for tool use and other activities. This development was significant in the transition from tree-dwelling ancestors to creatures that could navigate the ground effectively.

Evidence supporting H. habilis as an ancestor of H. erectus includes findings of both species' fossils in the same geological strata and similarities in cranial features, suggesting a possible evolutionary link.

Neanderthals are not considered ancestors of Cro-Magnon people due to genetic evidence showing distinct lineages and the coexistence of both groups at some points in history without direct genetic continuity.

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