Chapters+1+and+22+Human+Evaluation+MV

Molly Vaughn 25 August 2008 Human Biology

1. What anatomical features tell us that humans are vertebrates and mammals? - Vertebrates have a nerve cord that is protected by a vertebral column, whose repeating units (the vertebrae), indicate that we (humans) and other vertebrates are segmented animals. Among the vertebrates, we are mammals (animals with hair and mammary glands) and so are apes, from whom we are distinguishing by our (1) highly developed brains, (2) completely upright stance, (3) creative language, and (4) ability to use a wide variety of tools. 2. How do humans differ from other mammals, including apes? - Humans differ from other mammals, including apes in many ways. Culture encompasses human activities and products that are passed on from one generation to the next outside of direct biological inheritance. Among animals, only humans have a language that allows them to communicate information and experiences symbolically. Human skills have also produced a rich heritage, in the arts and sciences. The culture of highly civilized people, in particular, gives us the impression we are separate from other animals and makes us think we are not a part of nature. 3. How are humans classified? From Domain to Species. - Humans are classified as Species Homo sapiens. 4. What are the characteristics of primates? - Primates have mobile limbs; grasping hands; a flattened face; binocular vision; a large, complex brain; and a reduced reproductive rate. 5. What major differences exist between the chimpanzee skeleton and the human skeleton? - These differences in anatomy between chimpanzees and humans include that humans, but not chimps, are adapted for an upright stance: 1) In humans, the spine exits inferior to the center of the skull, and this placed the skull in the middle of the body; 2) the longer S-shaped spine of humans places the trunk’s center of gravity squarely over the feet; 3) the broader pelvis and hip joint of humans keep them from swaying when they walk; 4) the longer neck of the femur in humans causes the femur to angle inward at the knees; 5) the human knee joint is modified to support the body’s weight-the femur is larger at the bottom, and the tibia is larger at the top; and 6) the human toe is not opposable; instead, the foot has an arch. The arch enables humans to walk long distances and run with less chance of injury.