Which of the following anatomical features is marked with the greatest amount of difference between gracile and robust australopithecines?
A)Brain size
B)Height
C)Length of femora
D)Flexibility of ankles
E)Chewing apparatus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most notable difference between gracile and robust australopithecines is their chewing apparatus. Robust australopithecines, such as Australopithecus robustus and Australopithecus boisei, had much larger and stronger jaws with massive cheekbones and molars, while gracile australopithecines, such as Australopithecus afarensis, had smaller and more delicate jaws and teeth. This suggests that robust australopithecines had a much tougher and harder diet, while gracile australopithecines may have had a more varied diet. The other options (brain size, height, length of femora, and flexibility of ankles) also show some differences between gracile and robust australopithecines, but they are not as pronounced or diagnostic as the differences in their chewing apparatus.

Which of the Following Anatomical Features Is Marked with the Greatest