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3.1 examine at least two alternative views of human evolutionary relationships using the same fossil evidence, including: Ardipithecus ramidus (Australopithecus ramidus) Australopithecus afarensis Paranthropus robustus (Australopithecus robustus) Paranthropus boisei (Australopithecus boisei) Australopithecus africanus Homo habilis Homo ergaster Homo erectus Homo heidelbergensis Homo neanderthalensis, Homo sapiens

examine at least two alternative views of human evolutionary relationships using the same fossil evidence including:

  • Ardipithecus ramidus (Australopithecus ramidus)
  • Australopithecus afarensis
  • Paranthropus robustus (Australopithecus robustus)
  • Paranthropus boisei (Australopithecus boisei)
  • Australopithecus africanus
  • Homo habilis
  • Homo ergaster
  • Homo erectus
  • Homo heidelbergensis
  • Homo neanderthalensis
  • Homo sapiens

Background

As each new fossil is discovered there is a debate about its classification. The paucity of the fossil record leads to different interpretations. There are between eight and eighteen species of hominids depending on which classification system you use. Some scientists are ‘splitters’ and want to form new groups to encompass different fossils. Others are known as ‘lumpers’ because of their tendency to put new fossils into pre-existing species. There have been many different interpretation of the classification of hominids including Le Gros Clark, Napier, Brace and Louis Leakey. The three to be looked at more closely are the theories of Johanson, Richard Leakey and Tattersall.