Question

A defining characteristic that paleoanthropologists use to place a specimen into the genus Homo is

a) large cranial capacity
b) bipedal ability
c) speech ability
d) tool making abilities

Answer 1

The defining characteristic for placing a specimen into the genus Homo is a large cranial capacity, indicating an increase in behavior, cognitive, and cultural complexity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A defining characteristic that paleoanthropologists use to place a specimen into the genus Homo is large cranial capacity. One of the main considerations in classifying Homo habilis as a Homo and not an Australopithecus was its cranial capacity, which serves as an indicator of brain size. This measurement indicates an increase in behavioral, cognitive, and cultural complexity, as cognitive developments correspond with our ability to construct and form ideas, including the ability to think and communicate using symbolic and abstract language.