Assessment Questions 3.1

1. Which fossil species, discovered in Bavaria around 11.62 million years ago, is suggested to have exhibited part-time bipedal locomotion?

The fossil species mentioned is Danuvius guggenmosi, discovered in Bavaria. It is suggested to have had long arms characteristic of apes but with a femur and tibia configured for potential upright locomotion.

2. What is the significance of the fossil species Sahelanthropus tchadensis ("Toumai") in the context of hominin evolution?

Sahelanthropus tchadensis is considered one of the earliest hominins, dating to more than 6 million years ago. Its nearly complete cranium, flat face, and the position of the foramen magnum indicate habitual upright posture and bipedalism.

3. What characteristics of Australopithecus afarensis support the idea of bipedalism, and how does its skull differ from modern humans?

Various skeletal elements of Australopithecus afarensis, including the pelvis, vertebrae, leg bones, fingers, and foot bones, support the idea of competent bipedalism. The skull, however, exhibits apelike features, such as a small cranial capacity (380-430 cc), a snout-like jaw, and a forward-thrusting lower face (prognathous), differing from the relatively flat face of modern humans.