human+evolution+WG

1. What anatomical features tell us that humans are vertebrates and mammals? The nerve chord that protects the vertebral column tells us that we are vertebrates, our hair and mammary glands tells us we are mammals. 2. How do humans differ from other mammals, including apes? Highly developed brains, completely upright stance, creative language, and ability to use a wide variety of tools.

From Chapter 22 pages 475-477 3. How are humans classified? From Domain to Species. They are classified as the most intelligent, and as Species Homo sapiens 4. What are the characteristics of primates? They have mobile limbs, grasping hands, flattened face, binocular vision, and a large complex brain. 5. What major differences exist between the chimpanzee skeleton and the human skeleton? The Human spine exits from the center, ape spine exits from rear of skull. Human spine is S-shaped; ape spine has a slight curve. The human pelvis is bowl-shaped; ape pelvis is longer and narrower. Human femurs angle inward to the knees. Ape femurs angle out a bit. Finally Human knee can support more weight than ape knee.