Question

Dryopithecus did not have an ape like character-
a. Knuckle walking
b. U-shaped dental arch
c. Slightly projecting snout
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Dryopithecus are the genus of extinct ape that is also known as a representative of early members in this lineage where the humans and other apes belong. The Dryopithecus were generalized in structure and lacked most of the specializations which distinguishes the living humans from other apes.

Complete answer:
> Dryopithecus are called as the distant Miocene forerunner of gorillas and chimpanzees. The most identifiable form of Dryopithecus known had chimpanzee-like limbs and facial features. Dryopithecus lacks many characteristics which can distinguish humans and current ape species. Considering the configuration of their bodies we can see that the Dryopithecus had alternated between walking on their knuckles and running using their hind legs, especially when being chased by predators. Option (a) Knuckle walking is correct answer.

> The canine teeth of Dryopithecus were larger than those present in humans, however, they were not as well developed as that found in present-day apes. They also had a round shaped dental arch that is found in apes. So, the option (b) U-shaped dental arch is incorrect.

> Also, their limbs were relatively short and their skulls exhibited extensive brow ridges. They also had a small snout which is seen in modern day apes. Hence the option (c) is also incorrect.

Hence, The correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
The unknown fact about Dryopithecus is that this ancient primate was mainly found in Western Europe rather than in Africa. According to some scientist’s theory, it is possible that the original crucible of primate evolution appears to be Europe rather than Africa during the later Cenozoic Era and that these primates might have migrated from Europe from Africa in order to populate (or repopulate) the continents after their diversification as monkeys and apes.

Note: Dryopithecus are known as the early ape man that was present about 15 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. Their forelimbs were longer than hind limbs and they resembled more like apes. While another genus Ramapithecus, or the early non-ape man, was present at the same time in the Siwalik Hills. They had smaller forelimbs than hind limbs. The characters of the Ramapithecus were more similar to that of modern day humans with decreased snout, knuckle walking or running etc.