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Hominids are believed to have evolved in Africa because A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 21
Hominids are believed to have evolved in Africa because A. the oldest hominid fossils have been found in Africa. B. the most hominid fossils have been found in Afric... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hominids are believed to have evolved in Africa because A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. the oldest hominid fossils have been found in Africa.
Answer
This statement is considered the most compelling evidence supporting the evolution of hominids in Africa. The discovery of some of the oldest known hominid fossils, such as those from the genera Australopithecus and Homo, in various locations across Africa indicates that the continent played a critical role in the early history of human evolution.
Step 2
B. the most hominid fossils have been found in Africa.
Answer
While it's true that many hominid fossils have been uncovered in Africa, the quantity alone isn't sufficient to prove that Africa is the sole region of hominid evolution. However, this supports the idea that Africa is a significant site for understanding human evolutionary history.
Step 3
C. monkey fossils were found in Africa.
Answer
The presence of monkey fossils adds context to the ecosystem where hominids evolved, but it does not directly support the assertion that hominids themselves evolved in Africa. Monkeys and hominids are different branches on the primate family tree.
Step 4
D. Africa is the oldest continent.
Answer
While Africa is often referred to as the cradle of humankind due to its ancient geological history, the phrase does not specifically establish a direct link regarding the evolution of hominids. The age of a continent does not equate to the age of species evolution.