Fossil evidence from human evolution (Edexcel GCSE Biology): Flashcards
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What are fossils?
What are fossils?
Preserved remains/traces of organisms from millions of years ago
Fossil formation: absence of decay
Fossil formation: absence of decay
No oxygen/moisture prevents microbes, preserving tissues
Fossil formation: mineral replacement
Fossil formation: mineral replacement
Minerals replace decaying teeth/shells/bones into rock-like form
Fossil formation: preserved traces
Fossil formation: preserved traces
Footprints, burrows, rootlets fossilize as ground hardens
Why are early life fossils rare?
Why are early life fossils rare?
Soft-bodied organisms decayed completely, left few remains
Term for human ancestors
Term for human ancestors
Hominids
When did humans & chimps diverge from common ancestor?
When did humans & chimps diverge from common ancestor?
6 million years ago
Age of Ardi fossil
Age of Ardi fossil
4.4 million years ago
Species name of Ardi
Species name of Ardi
Ardipithecus ramidus
Age of Lucy fossil
Age of Lucy fossil
3.2 million years ago
Species name of Lucy
Species name of Lucy
Australopithecus afarensis
Age of Turkana Boy (Leakey fossils)
Age of Turkana Boy (Leakey fossils)
1.6 million years ago
Species name of Turkana Boy
Species name of Turkana Boy
Homo erectus
Lucy's feet vs Ardi's
Lucy's feet vs Ardi's
Arched, no ape big toe; adapted for walking not climbing
Turkana Boy brain size vs Lucy
Turkana Boy brain size vs Lucy
Much larger, similar to human brain size