Question 1
Multiple choiceMedium1 markThe table shows a molar-area index (molar grinding-surface area divided by combined incisor and canine area), measured in the same way for each skull. Diets of the living reference hominids are known from observations. Which inference about the fossil skulls is supported by the data?
| Skull | Diet | Molar-area index |
|---|---|---|
| Homo sapiens (living reference) | Omnivorous | 1.2 |
| Living hominid reference | Herbivorous | 2.4 |
| Homo floresiensis (fossil) | Unknown | 1.3 |
| Paranthropus robustus (fossil) | Unknown | 2.3 |
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. The reference skulls associate a lower molar-area index with omnivory and a higher index with herbivory. The index for Homo floresiensis (1.3) is nearer the omnivorous reference (1.2), while that for Paranthropus robustus (2.3) is nearer the herbivorous reference (2.4).
A: reverses the relationship between the index and the reference diets.
B: correctly associates Paranthropus robustus with the herbivorous reference but assigns the lower-index Homo floresiensis to herbivory.
D: correctly associates Homo floresiensis with the omnivorous reference but assigns the higher-index Paranthropus robustus to omnivory.
Remember: comparisons with observed living species can support, but do not prove, dietary inferences from fossil dentition.