You discover a primate fossil while on an expedition in Africa. Which part of the skeleton should be examined to classify this fossil as a human or a nonhuman primate?
A) the hand bones
B) the base of the skull
C) the ribs
D) the backbone (vertebrae)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The base of the skull is the most important part of the skeleton to examine when trying to classify a fossil as a human or nonhuman primate. There are several key anatomical features found in the human skull that distinguish us from other primates, such as the shape of the face and jaw, the size and position of the foramen magnum (the opening for the spinal cord), and the presence or absence of certain cranial sutures. By examining the base of the skull, paleoanthropologists can determine whether a fossil belongs to the human lineage or to another group of primates.

You Discover a Primate Fossil While on an Expedition in Africa