Chimpanzee and Human Evolution
Background: Write a brief (3-4 sentence) paragraph about fossils and anatomy and how
they can be used to determine the history of a species.
Procedure: Use the “Click and Learn” at http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/skeletonsreveal-human-and-chimpanzee-evolution to answer the following questions.
1. What is the purpose of a phylogenic tree?
2. Susie believes that humans evolved from chimpanzees. According to Dr White, is
this possible? Explain.
3. Explain why Australiaopithicus’ DNA lives on.
4. Draw a phylogenic tree of the hominid family.
5. List 3 things scientists can use to determine evolutionary relationships.
6. Summarize what each of the below body parts can tell you:
a. Skull
b. Eye opening
c. Teeth
d. Pelvis
7. Where does Ardi fit on the tree of life?
8. What can we tell from the bones?
9. Copy and complete table 1 :
TABLE 1: Comparing Anatomy
Ardi
Human
Chimpanzee
Teeth
Pelvis
Feet
Conclusion: How does Ardi fit into the tree of life? Is this species most likely an a
human ancestor, or a chimpanzee ancestor? Give evidence to support your claim.