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Question #115250
The Question
Read the following statements regarding the evolutionary progression and cranial capacities of hominids. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The first human-like being, the hominid Homo habilis, had a cranial capacity ranging between 650-800 cc and probably did not eat meat.
- B.
The hominid fossil record demonstrates a strict anagenetic ladder, where discrete, non-overlapping cranial capacities perfectly justify linear taxonomic ranking from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens.
- C.
Fossils of Homo erectus discovered in Java (dated around 1.5 mya) revealed a cranial capacity of approximately 900 cc, and they probably ate meat.
- D.
Neanderthal man possessed a cranial capacity of 1400 cc, lived in near east and central Asia, used hides to protect their body, and buried their dead.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Taxonomic Hierarchical Rank|Hominid Cranial Capacity|Homo habilis|Homo erectus
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often misinterpret the sequential listing of human ancestors in NCERT (Australopithecus -> H. habilis -> H. erectus -> Neanderthal -> H. sapiens) as a strict linear progression (anagenesis).
The trap exploits this common misconception by using the term 'strict anagenetic ladder' and 'non-overlapping cranial capacities'.
In reality, human evolution is a branching process (mosaic evolution) where multiple hominid species coexisted and exhibited overlapping morphological traits, challenging discrete hierarchical barriers.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | The Living World - Class 11 |
| Concept | Taxonomic Hierarchical Rank |
| Difficulty | 5 |
| Cognitive Load | 4 |
| Target Solve Time | 100 sec |
| Access | Free |