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Question 33 — The Human Story (25 marks) (a) Name the GENUS to which modern humans belong - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 33
Question 33 — The Human Story (25 marks) (a) Name the GENUS to which modern humans belong. (b) Describe THREE primate characteristics of prosimians. (c) During t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 33 — The Human Story (25 marks) (a) Name the GENUS to which modern humans belong - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe THREE primate characteristics of prosimians.
Answer
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Nocturnal Behavior: Prosimians are primarily nocturnal, utilizing enhanced night vision through larger eyes adapted for low light.
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Claw-like Nails: Many prosimians possess claw-like nails on some fingers and toes, which help them in climbing and grasping.
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Vocal Communication: They exhibit complex vocalizations, which play a crucial role in social interactions within their groups.
Step 3
Provide an outline of the method followed when modelling DNA-DNA hybridisation.
Answer
To model DNA-DNA hybridisation, follow these steps:
- Sample Preparation: Isolate the DNA samples from the species being compared.
- Denaturation: Heat the DNA samples to break the hydrogen bonds and separate the strands.
- Mixing: Combine equal amounts of the denatured DNA samples.
- Rehybridisation: Cool the mixture to allow complementary strands to bond together, forming hybrid DNA.
- Analysis: Measure the melting temperature (Tm) to assess the degree of hybridisation, indicating the evolutionary relationship.
Step 4
Explain how this investigation increased your understanding of the use of DNA-DNA hybridisation in possible evolutionary relationships.
Answer
This investigation revealed that DNA-DNA hybridisation allows for a quantitative measure of genetic similarity between species. By analyzing the Tm, I learned that closer evolutionary relationships yield higher hybridisation rates, thus providing insight into lineage divergence and speciation processes.
Step 5
Discuss the impact that modern technologies have on research in this area.
Answer
Modern technologies, such as genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, have revolutionized the study of human evolution. They enable researchers to analyze genetic data with unprecedented accuracy and speed, facilitating a deeper understanding of evolutionary pathways and relationships among species. Additionally, advancements in imaging techniques, such as CT scans and 3D modeling, enhance the study of fossil evidence, allowing for detailed analyses that were previously impossible.
Step 6
Based on the data above, construct a table that describes the anatomical differences between an ape and a human.
Answer
| Feature | Apes | Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Cranial Capacity | Smaller skull, limited expansion | Larger skull, increased brain size |
| Limb Structure | Longer arms, adapted for swinging | Shorter arms, bipedal adaptation |
| Pelvic Structure | Narrow pelvis for climbing | Broader pelvis to support bipedalism |
Step 7
How does the interpretation of the differences in TWO of these anatomical features provide evidence to support human evolution?
Answer
The larger cranial capacity in humans supports the idea of increased cognitive abilities and complex tool use, which is a hallmark of human evolution. Conversely, the broader pelvis indicates adaptations for bipedal locomotion, suggesting a significant shift from arboreal to terrestrial lifestyles, further supporting the evolutionary trajectory from apes to modern humans.