Question

The probable direct ancestor of modern man is
A. Java man
B. Peking man
C. Cro-Magnon man
D. Neanderthal man

Answer 1

Hint: Human evolution is the evolutionary process that led to the emergence of anatomically modern humans, beginning with the evolutionary history of primates, in particular, genus Homo and leading to the emergence of Homo sapiens as a distinct species of the hominid family, which includes the great apes.

Complete answer: Human evolution from its first separation from the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees is characterized by several morphological, developmental, physiological, and behavioral changes. Early European modern humans (or Cro-Magnons) were the first early modern humans (Homo sapiens) to settle in Europe, continuously occupying the continent since possibly as early as 48,000 years ago, they were anatomically similar to present-day Europeans, but were more robust, having broader and shorter faces, more prominent brow ridges, and bigger teeth. Like certain present-day Ainu people (indigenous to Japan), these had shorter upper jaws, more horizontally oriented cheekbones, and more rectangular eye sockets. The first Cro-Magnons would have had dark skin, and natural selection for lighter skin would not begin until 30,000 years ago. The Cro-Magnons arsenal included spears, spear-throwers, harpoons, and possibly throwing sticks and palaeolithic dogs. They commonly construct temporary huts while moving around, and gravettian peoples notably made large huts on the russian plain out of mammoth bones.
Hence, the correct option is C, i.e., Cro-Magnon man

Note: Cro-Magnons are physically similar to present-day humans, with a globular braincase, completely flat face, gracile brow ridge, and defined chin. However, the bones are somewhat thicker and more robust. Compared to present-day Europeans, Cro-Magnons have broader and shorter faces, more prominent brow ridges, bigger teeth, shorter upper jaws, more horizontally oriented cheekbones, and more rectangular eye sockets.