Question

Common ancestor of apes and man is
A) Parapithecus
B) Cro-Magnon
C) Dryopithecous
D) Australopithecus

Answer 1

Hint: Human evolution is the process which led to the emergence of modern Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens are the distinct species of the hominid family which includes great apes.

Complete Answer:
- Man evolved from primitives to Homo sapiens and developed gradual traits like bipedalism and language as well as interbreeding with other hominins. According to the genetic study the primates diverged from mammals about 85 million years ago.
- By 14 million years ago, the group of apes that included our ancestors began the process of adapting to life. They were the members of the genus Dryopithecous which were similar to African apes.
- Australopithecus existed which were similar to gorillas around 8-9 million years ago.
- Parapithecus: They were more man like and features similar to apes which is the representative of early lineage that includes human and other apes.
- Cro-Magnon is the first early modern human. They were similar to early Homo sapiens.

The correct answer is (A). Common ancestor of apes and man is Parapithecus.

Additional Information: Theory of evolution says that all species are related and gradually change over time. Change in the characteristics of species relies on natural selection.

Note: The characteristic features of apes were absence of tail, erect posture, hands able to grasp, more cranial capacity with larger head, greater level of intelligence than other animals, and presence of hair on the body.