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Introduction to Anthropology

Critical Thinking Questions

Introduction to AnthropologyCritical Thinking Questions

1 .
What are some of the key anatomical differences between Australopithecus and one of the species in the genus Homo?
2 .
What criteria would you use to define a species belonging to the genus Homo?
3 .
What are some of the limitations in using the currently known criteria for classifying a species under the genus Homo?
4 .
What are some of the explanations or hypotheses for the increasing brain size (encephalization) seen in the genus Homo?
5 .
Based on current evidence, form a hypothesis as to what you think caused the extinction of the Neanderthal. What gave modern humans the edge?
6 .
In what ways has genetic research enabled modern humans to track their story?
7 .
What are some similarities between Homo naledi, Homo floresiensis, and Homo luzonensis, and what makes them so unique?
8 .
In what way are humans still evolving today? Can you provide an example?
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