Question

Which of the following have coexisted with modern Homo sapiens? a. Homo habilis c. Homo floresiensis b. Homo neanderthalensis d. both (b) and (c)

Short answer

d. both (b) and (c)

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the question

The question asks which species coexisted with modern Homo sapiens, meaning they lived during the same time period.

- Identify time periods

Determine the time periods during which each of the species lived. Modern Homo sapiens have been around for approximately 200,000 years.

- Analyze Homo habilis

Homo habilis lived from around 2.1 to 1.5 million years ago. Hence, they did not coexist with modern Homo sapiens.

- Analyze Homo neanderthalensis

Homo neanderthalensis lived from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. This time frame overlaps with the existence of modern Homo sapiens, so they did coexist.

- Analyze Homo floresiensis

Homo floresiensis existed from roughly 100,000 to 50,000 years ago, which means they also coexisted with modern Homo sapiens.

- Combine findings

Based on the findings, both Homo neanderthalensis and Homo floresiensis coexisted with modern Homo sapiens.

- Conclusion

Therefore, the correct answer is both (b) and (c).

Key concepts

Homo sapiens

Homo sapiens, also known as modern humans, first appeared around 200,000 years ago. They are characterized by their larger brains, sophisticated tools, and the ability to form complex societies. Modern humans were skilled hunters, gatherers, and later, farmers, significantly shaping the Earth's environment.
Early Homo sapiens created art, planned settlements, and most significantly, developed languages and cultures. Their technological advancements allowed them to thrive in diverse habitats from Africa to Europe and Asia.

• Modern humans evolved in Africa and gradually spread worldwide.
• Their ability to innovate and adapt gave them an edge over other hominins.
• They interacted and interbred with other species like Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Understanding the characteristics and evolution of Homo sapiens helps us appreciate the complexity and versatility of humans in surviving and dominating various ecosystems.

Homo neanderthalensis

Homo neanderthalensis, commonly referred to as Neanderthals, lived approximately from 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They were a close relative of Homo sapiens and shared a significant amount of genetic material with modern humans.
Neanderthals had a robust build, adapted for cold climates, and made sophisticated tools. They also displayed signs of social behavior, such as burying their dead and possibly even practicing some form of rudimentary art.

• Neanderthals lived predominantly in Europe and western Asia.
• Their interaction with Homo sapiens included both cooperation and competition.
• Genetic evidence indicates that interbreeding occurred between Neanderthals and early modern humans.

Learning about Homo neanderthalensis gives insight into the diversity and adaptability of human-like species and their eventual disappearance likely due to competition with Homo sapiens.

Homo floresiensis

Homo floresiensis, often nicknamed the 'Hobbit', lived on the Indonesian island of Flores from around 100,000 to 50,000 years ago. This species was unique due to its small stature, standing just about 3.5 feet tall. Despite their small size, Homo floresiensis had relatively advanced tools and hunting strategies suitable for their environment.
The discovery of Homo floresiensis challenged previous beliefs about the diversity and adaptability of human species. Their small size is thought to be a result of insular dwarfism, a phenomenon where species evolve smaller forms due to limited resources on islands.

• Homo floresiensis had a mix of primitive and advanced traits.
• They coexisted with modern humans and possibly interacted with them.
• Their existence shows the adaptability of human species in various environments.

Exploring the life and existence of Homo floresiensis highlights the evolutionary pathways humans could take depending on ecological constraints and opportunities.