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(a) (i) The diagram shows two primates - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 35 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 35
(a) (i) The diagram shows two primates. Figure 1 Spider monkey Figure 2 Baboon Provide the word that describes the tail for the classification of each primate. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) The diagram shows two primates - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 35 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Provide the word that describes the tail for the classification of each primate.
Answer
The spider monkey, as depicted in Figure 1, has a prehensile tail which is adapted for grasping and holding onto branches, providing it with greater mobility in its arboreal environment. On the other hand, the baboon, shown in Figure 2, has a non-prehensile tail which serves primarily for balance rather than manipulation.
Step 2
Use the hierarchical classification system to explain whether they would necessarily be in the same phylum and the same genus.
Answer
Spider monkeys and baboons belong to the same class, Mammalia, which is under the same phylum, Chordata. They both fall under the order Primates, but they are from different families. Thus, while they are in the same phylum, they would not necessarily be in the same genus, as genera are more specifically categorized, and there are distinct differences in their classifications.
Step 3
Explain ONE piece of evidence for, and ONE piece of evidence against, the theory of regional continuity.
Answer
One piece of evidence supporting the regional continuity theory is the discovery of fossils that demonstrate a gradual change in hominin features across different regions, indicating that modern humans evolved from local populations rather than originating from a single point in Africa. Conversely, one piece of evidence against this theory is the presence of morphological features in Neanderthal fossils found in Europe, which suggests a separate evolutionary path distinct from that of modern humans, pointing towards a more complex evolutionary history.
Step 4
Account for identified differences in the cultural development of Australopithecines and Homo neanderthalensis in relation to their cranial capacities.
Answer
Australopithecines generally had a smaller cranial capacity, averaging around 400 cc, which limited their cognitive abilities and, consequently, their cultural advancements. In contrast, Homo neanderthalensis had a larger cranial capacity, averaging around 1600 cc, which allowed for more complex thought processes and the development of advanced tools and social structures, thus reflecting a richer cultural evolution.