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Skeletons Reveal Human and Chimpanzee Evolution

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Image from the interactive

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Human Evolution

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
24 Users
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Description

This interactive module sheds light on the evolutionary history of humans by comparing the features of a prehistoric primate skeleton to those of modern primates.

To determine evolutionary relationships among organisms, both living and extinct, scientists can compare DNA sequences, physiology, and anatomy. For example, scientists have used the bone structures of fossil specimens to reconstruct the path of human evolution. In this Click & Learn, students explore the evolutionary relationships among modern humans, modern chimpanzees, and a prehistoric primate named Ardipithecus ramidus. They examine a 4.4-million-year-old fossilized A. ramidus skeleton, nicknamed Ardi, and compare three of its key features — teeth, pelvis, and feet — with those of humans and chimpanzees.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

Student Learning Targets

Make claims about evolutionary relationships based on anatomical evidence from skeletons.

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods, depending on the amount of in-class discussion.

Key Terms

anatomy, bipedalism, bone, common ancestor, evolutionary tree, foot, fossil, hip, hominin, Laetoli

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.27.11

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4.A

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.N, EVO-3.B, EVO-3.C, EVO-3.E

IB Biology (2016)

5.3

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.6
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.H, SP2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1

Materials

Student Worksheet (PDF) 291 KB
Video Transcripts (PDF) 244 KB

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