Question

Select the correct sequence based on increasing cranial capacity.
A. Homo sapiens
B. Homo floresiensis
C. Homo habilis
D. Homo erectus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. B, C, D, A
• B. D, B, C, A
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. C, B, D, A

Hint:

Remember the general evolutionary sequence and the trend of increasing brain size: {H. habilis} $\rightarrow$ {H. erectus} $\rightarrow$ {H. sapiens}. {H. floresiensis} ("The Hobbit") is the exception, with a tiny brain due to island dwarfism, making it the smallest in this list.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires ordering several hominin species according to their average cranial capacity, from smallest to largest. A major trend in human evolution is encephalization, the increase in brain size relative to body size.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's list the approximate average cranial capacities for each species:
- B. Homo floresiensis: This species is known for its very small brain size, a result of insular dwarfism. The average cranial capacity is around 400 cm³.
- C. Homo habilis: Known as "handy man," this is an early species of Homo with an average cranial capacity of about 600-650 cm³.
- D. Homo erectus: This species shows a significant increase in brain size over H. habilis, with an average cranial capacity ranging from about 900 cm³ to 1100 cm³.
- A. Homo sapiens: Modern humans have the largest brain size among these options, with a current average of about 1350 cm³.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Arranging the species in order of increasing cranial capacity gives the following sequence:
Homo floresiensis (B)<Homo habilis (C)<Homo erectus (D)<Homo sapiens (A).
The correct sequence is B, C, D, A.