Most species of hominins are known only from Africa. Which species have been found in other parts of the world as well?
a. Early Homo—H. habilis and H. ergaster
b. H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis, and H. floresiensis
c. Gracile australopithecines
d. Robust australopithecines

Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the geographical distribution of hominin species. Most hominins are known from Africa, but some species have migrated and been found in other parts of the world.

Consider the species listed in each option. Early Homo species like H. habilis and H. ergaster are primarily known from Africa, so option a is less likely to be correct.

Examine option b, which includes H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis, and H. floresiensis. These species are known to have been found outside Africa. H. erectus is known from Asia, H. neanderthalensis from Europe and western Asia, and H. floresiensis from Indonesia.

Review options c and d, which mention australopithecines. Both gracile and robust australopithecines are primarily known from Africa and have not been found in other parts of the world.

Conclude that option b is the correct answer, as it lists species that have been found outside Africa, unlike the other options.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hominin Evolution

Hominin evolution refers to the evolutionary process leading to the emergence of anatomically modern humans. It involves the study of various species within the Hominini tribe, which includes modern humans and their closest extinct relatives. Understanding this concept helps in identifying which hominin species migrated out of Africa and adapted to different environments.

Out of Africa Theory

The Out of Africa theory posits that modern humans originated in Africa and then dispersed to other parts of the world. This theory is crucial for understanding the migration patterns of hominins, particularly which species left Africa and established populations in other regions, such as Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis.

Hominin Species Distribution

Hominin species distribution refers to the geographical spread of different hominin species over time. Some species, like Homo erectus, are known to have migrated out of Africa and settled in Asia and Europe. This concept is essential for identifying which hominins were present in regions outside Africa, as mentioned in the question.