Science Rocks! The Great Apes How are apes related to humans? Chimpanzee Science Rocks! Bonobos Orangutan Gorilla

Apes and Humans What characteristics do they have in common? What characteristics are different?

A. Characteristics of all primates I. Similarities A. Characteristics of all primates 1. Binocular vision: Eyes both on the front of the head. Each eye sees a slightly different view of the same scene and the brain merges them to allow depth perception. 2. Flat finger nails 3. Five flexible fingers (four fingers and an opposable thumb) Most primates (besides humans) also have opposable big toes Gorilla Foot

How are humans different from other primates? II. Differences How are humans different from other primates? A. Bipedal (“2 legs”)  skeleton is adapted for walking upright Human pelvis is vertical (holds skeleton upright) Gorilla pelvis tips ribcage, head, and neck forward Human spine is “S” shaped Gorilla spine is “C” shaped

B. Opposable Toes Humans do NOT have opposable big toes (only opposable thumbs). Other primates have both opposable thumbs and opposable big toes so they can hold onto things with their feet as well as their hands.

C. Cranial Structure Foramen magnum  Hole in the skull where the spine enters Human: Spine enters at bottom of skull Gorilla: Spine enters near rear of skull In what other ways are human skulls different from apes?

1. Supra-Orbital Ridge Small Large

2. Prognathism (snout) Non existent (small) Large

Prognathism (snout)

3. Dental Arcade Parabolic Sides “V shaped” Parallel Sides “U shaped”

4. Sagittal Crest Large Non existent (small)

5. Types of Teeth

Chin

6. Facial Slope

Facial Slope

Using a Caliper

7. Reading a Caliper

Reading a Caliper

Using a Caliper

Using a Caliper 14.0mm

Cranium Capacity Length Width

Cranium Capacity

The relative size of the brain 8. Cranial Area The relative size of the brain Your measurement will NOT be the actual volume, but it will allow you to compare the volume to the other skulls.

Cranial Area First, determine where the brain sits in the skull. Use calipers or ruler to measure Length and Width in centimeters (cm)

Cranial Area BE CONSISTENT! Make sure you estimate and measure the same time (same group member) for every skull.