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Study Guide: Peking Man: Fossil Discoveries and Paleoanthropological Significance

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Peking Man: Fossil Discoveries and Paleoanthropological Significance Study Guide

Discovery and Excavation of Peking Man

Peking Man fossils were primarily discovered in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary discovery site for Peking Man fossils is the Zhoukoudian cave system in China, not the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia.

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Johan Gunnar Andersson, a Swedish geologist, was one of the key scientists involved in the early study of Peking Man.

Answer: True

Explanation: Johan Gunnar Andersson played a significant role in the initial geological surveys and excavations at Zhoukoudian that led to the discovery of Peking Man fossils.

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The Zhoukoudian site is considered the least productive location globally for *Homo erectus* fossil discoveries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Zhoukoudian site is globally recognized as the most productive location for *Homo erectus* fossil discoveries, having yielded the largest collection of specimens.

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The estimated time frame for Peking Man's occupation of Zhoukoudian spans from approximately 800,000 to 230,000 years ago.

Answer: True

Explanation: Current estimates place the occupation of the Zhoukoudian site by Peking Man within the period of approximately 800,000 to 230,000 years ago.

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The deposition of Peking Man remains in the Zhoukoudian caves is definitively attributed solely to human activity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While evidence of human activity exists, the deposition of Peking Man remains is debated, with significant evidence suggesting carnivores like hyenas also played a role.

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Franz Weidenreich's contributions included detailed anatomical studies and reconstructions of Peking Man.

Answer: True

Explanation: Franz Weidenreich made significant contributions through his detailed anatomical studies and reconstructions of Peking Man fossils.

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Peking Man, scientifically classified as *Homo erectus pekinensis*, is associated with which fossil site?

Answer: Zhoukoudian cave system, China

Explanation: Peking Man, classified as *Homo erectus pekinensis*, is primarily associated with the Zhoukoudian cave system in China.

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What was the initial fossil discovery that marked the beginning of Peking Man research?

Answer: A single human tooth

Explanation: The initial fossil discovery that initiated research into Peking Man was a single human tooth found in 1921 at the Zhoukoudian site.

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Which of the following scientists was NOT among the key early figures involved in the study of Peking Man?

Answer: Louis Leakey

Explanation: While Davidson Black, Walter W. Granger, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin were key early figures, Louis Leakey's primary research focused on East African paleoanthropology.

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The Zhoukoudian site is renowned for yielding the largest collection of which hominin species globally?

Answer: *Homo erectus*

Explanation: The Zhoukoudian site is globally recognized for yielding the most extensive fossil collection attributed to *Homo erectus*.

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Which range best represents the estimated time frame for Peking Man's occupation of the Zhoukoudian site?

Answer: 800,000 to 230,000 years ago

Explanation: The Zhoukoudian site is estimated to have been occupied by Peking Man intermittently between approximately 800,000 and 230,000 years ago.

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What is one theory explaining the presence of Peking Man remains in the Zhoukoudian caves, besides direct habitation?

Answer: They were deposited primarily by carnivores like hyenas.

Explanation: A significant theory posits that carnivores, such as hyenas, were responsible for depositing many of the Peking Man remains in the Zhoukoudian caves, evidenced by gnaw marks and breakage patterns on the fossils.

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Franz Weidenreich's work on Peking Man included:

Answer: Conducting extensive anatomical studies and creating reconstructions

Explanation: Franz Weidenreich made significant contributions through his detailed anatomical studies and reconstructions of Peking Man fossils.

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Anatomical and Morphological Features

The first fossil evidence of Peking Man found was a complete skull.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial fossil discovery that marked the beginning of Peking Man research was a single human tooth, not a complete skull.

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Peking Man skulls are characterized by thin cranial bones and a lack of prominent brow ridges.

Answer: False

Explanation: Peking Man skulls are characterized by thick cranial bones and prominent brow ridges, contrary to the assertion of thin bones and a lack of such features.

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The estimated brain volume of Peking Man falls significantly below the range observed in modern humans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The average brain capacity of Peking Man (approximately 1,029 cc) falls within the range observed in modern humans, rather than significantly below it.

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Peking Man had smooth, flat incisor teeth, lacking any distinctive features.

Answer: False

Explanation: Peking Man possessed distinctive shovel-shaped incisors, a feature characterized by a pronounced ridge on the inner surface, rather than smooth, flat teeth.

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Peking Man's shovel-shaped incisors are a trait also found in many modern East Asian populations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The distinctive shovel-shaped incisors observed in Peking Man are a trait that is also present in a significant proportion of modern East Asian populations.

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Peking Man was generally taller than more tropical populations of *Homo erectus*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Peking Man, as a northerly population of *Homo erectus*, was generally shorter than more tropical populations of the species.

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Peking Man's bones were generally thinner and less robust than those of modern humans.

Answer: False

Explanation: Peking Man's bones, particularly cranial and long bones, were notably thicker and more robust than those of modern humans.

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Which anatomical feature is characteristic of the Peking Man skull?

Answer: Thick cranial bones and a prominent brow ridge

Explanation: Characteristic features of the Peking Man skull include thick cranial bones, a prominent brow ridge (supraorbital torus), and a low, elongated cranial vault.

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What was the average brain capacity estimated for Peking Man fossils?

Answer: Approximately 1029 cc

Explanation: The average estimated brain capacity for Peking Man fossils falls around 1029 cubic centimeters (cc), placing it within the range of modern human brain sizes.

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The 'shovel-shaped' characteristic of Peking Man's incisors refers to:

Answer: A pronounced ridge on the inner surface of the tooth

Explanation: The term 'shovel-shaped' describes the morphology of Peking Man's incisors, characterized by a pronounced lingual (inner) ridge and concavity, resembling a shovel.

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What is a significant characteristic of Peking Man's dental morphology?

Answer: Shovel-shaped incisors

Explanation: A notable feature of Peking Man's dental morphology is the presence of shovel-shaped incisors, a trait shared with some modern human populations.

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Compared to tropical *Homo erectus* populations, the estimated average height of Peking Man was:

Answer: Slightly shorter

Explanation: Peking Man, representing northerly *Homo erectus*, averaged approximately 150 cm, whereas tropical populations averaged around 160 cm, indicating Peking Man was slightly shorter.

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How do the bones of Peking Man generally compare in thickness to those of modern humans?

Answer: Peking Man's bones were notably thicker.

Explanation: The cranial and long bones of Peking Man fossils are characterized by a greater thickness and robustness compared to those of modern humans.

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Classification, Taxonomy, and Evolutionary Context

Davidson Black originally classified Peking Man as *Homo erectus pekinensis*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Davidson Black initially classified Peking Man as *Sinanthropus pekinensis*. The designation *Homo erectus pekinensis* emerged later as taxonomic understanding evolved.

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The discovery of Peking Man played a role in supporting the 'Out of Asia' theory of human origins.

Answer: True

Explanation: The discovery and characteristics of Peking Man were initially interpreted as strong evidence supporting the 'Out of Asia' theory, which proposed an Asian origin for human evolution.

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The 'Out of Africa' theory posits that modern humans evolved exclusively in Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Out of Africa' theory posits that modern humans evolved in Africa and subsequently migrated globally, not that they evolved exclusively in Asia.

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The 'muddle in the middle' refers to the clear and undisputed classification of all Middle Pleistocene hominins found in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'muddle in the middle' describes the complex and debated classification of Middle Pleistocene hominins discovered in China, not a clear and undisputed consensus.

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Fossils like Olduvai Hominin 9 found in Africa have weakened the 'Out of Africa' model of human evolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fossils such as Olduvai Hominin 9, found in Africa and dating to the Middle Pleistocene, have actually strengthened the 'Out of Africa' model by providing evidence for early *Homo erectus* dispersal from Africa.

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The term 'classic *H. erectus*' is typically used for later hominin species found in Europe.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'classic *H. erectus*' is generally applied to fossils like Peking Man and Java Man, considered representative of the species, rather than later hominin species found in Europe.

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Lantian Man and Nanjing Man are considered anatomically distinct from Peking Man, showing no shared cranial characteristics.

Answer: False

Explanation: While distinct, Lantian Man and Nanjing Man share certain cranial characteristics with Peking Man, indicating regional similarities within Chinese *Homo erectus* populations.

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The debate surrounding *Homo longi* classification centers on whether it represents a distinct species or variation within *Homo erectus*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The classification of *Homo longi* is debated, with arguments focusing on whether it constitutes a separate species or represents a variation within the *Homo erectus* lineage.

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What was the original scientific name proposed for Peking Man by Davidson Black?

Answer: *Sinanthropus pekinensis*

Explanation: Davidson Black originally proposed the classification *Sinanthropus pekinensis* for the Peking Man fossils in 1927.

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The 'Out of Asia' theory, in the context of human evolution, proposed that:

Answer: Human evolution originated primarily in Asia.

Explanation: The 'Out of Asia' theory posits that the primary evolutionary trajectory of hominins originated in Asia, a perspective that was initially supported by discoveries like Peking Man.

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How did the discovery of Peking Man initially influence the 'Out of Asia' vs. 'Out of Africa' debate?

Answer: It provided strong support for the 'Out of Asia' theory.

Explanation: The discovery of Peking Man, with its significant anatomical features, initially provided substantial evidence supporting the 'Out of Asia' theory of human origins.

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The term 'muddle in the middle' in Chinese paleoanthropology refers to:

Answer: The difficulty in classifying Middle Pleistocene hominins found in China.

Explanation: In Chinese paleoanthropology, 'muddle in the middle' denotes the persistent challenges and ongoing debates surrounding the taxonomic classification of Middle Pleistocene hominin fossils recovered from China.

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Which African fossil find is mentioned as strengthening the 'Out of Africa' model in relation to *Homo erectus*?

Answer: Olduvai Hominin 9 (OH9)

Explanation: Olduvai Hominin 9 (OH9) is an African fossil find that supports the 'Out of Africa' model by indicating the presence of *Homo erectus* in Africa during periods relevant to early hominin dispersal.

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The term 'classic *H. erectus*' is often applied to Peking Man because:

Answer: Its features are considered highly representative of the species.

Explanation: Peking Man is often referred to as 'classic *H. erectus*' because its anatomical features are widely regarded as highly representative of the species' morphology.

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What shared characteristic exists between Peking Man and Nanjing Man?

Answer: Similar cranial features

Explanation: Fossils such as Nanjing Man and Peking Man, both found in China, exhibit shared cranial characteristics, contributing to discussions about regional variations within *Homo erectus*.

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Paleoenvironment and Material Culture

Peking Man lived in a tropical rainforest environment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paleoenvironmental reconstructions indicate that Peking Man inhabited a cooler environment, characterized by steppe and forested areas, rather than a tropical rainforest.

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The stone tools recovered from Zhoukoudian were exclusively complex hand-axes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stone tools recovered from Zhoukoudian primarily consist of simple choppers, flakes, and debitage, not exclusively complex hand-axes.

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The 'Movius Line' suggests a technological similarity between tool cultures in East Asia and Western Europe during the Lower Paleolithic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Movius Line proposes a technological divergence, not similarity, between East Asian tool cultures (primarily choppers) and Western European tool cultures (primarily hand-axes) during the Lower Paleolithic.

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The 'Movius Line' highlights the widespread use of sophisticated stone hand-axes across both East Asia and Western Europe in the Lower Paleolithic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Movius Line demarcates a technological divide, suggesting East Asia primarily used simple tools, contrasting with the hand-axe industries of Western Europe.

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Lewis Binford proposed that Peking Man were primarily hunters who actively pursued large game.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lewis Binford proposed that Peking Man might have been scavengers, based on evidence suggesting they consumed carcasses left by predators like hyenas, rather than being primary hunters.

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The predominant stone tools found at Zhoukoudian were finely crafted projectile points.

Answer: False

Explanation: The predominant stone tools found at Zhoukoudian were simple choppers, flakes, and debitage, rather than finely crafted projectile points.

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Based on the source, what type of environment did Peking Man inhabit?

Answer: A cool steppe environment with some forests

Explanation: Evidence suggests Peking Man inhabited a temperate environment characterized by steppe landscapes interspersed with forested regions.

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What was the predominant type of stone tool material found at the Zhoukoudian site?

Answer: Debitage (waste material)

Explanation: The predominant stone tool material found at Zhoukoudian was debitage, indicating the site was a locus for tool production. Simple choppers and flakes were also common.

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How did the tool technology found with Peking Man contrast with that found in Western Lower Paleolithic sites, according to the Movius Line concept?

Answer: East Asian sites primarily yielded simple chopping tools, unlike Western hand-axe industries.

Explanation: The Movius Line concept highlights that East Asian sites, such as Zhoukoudian, are characterized by simpler chopping tools, contrasting sharply with the more sophisticated hand-axe industries prevalent in Western Lower Paleolithic sites.

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The 'Movius Line' primarily differentiates tool cultures based on the presence or absence of:

Answer: Hand-axe industries

Explanation: The Movius Line is a conceptual boundary that differentiates tool cultures based on the presence or absence of sophisticated hand-axe industries, with East Asia generally lacking them.

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What observation led some researchers, like Lewis Binford, to suggest Peking Man might have been scavengers?

Answer: Cut marks on animal bones overlapping with hyena gnaw marks.

Explanation: Lewis Binford and others proposed scavenging as a possibility for Peking Man based on the observation that cut marks on animal bones frequently coincided with hyena gnaw marks, suggesting hyenas were the primary predators.

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Historical and Ideological Significance

The original Peking Man fossil specimens were lost during World War I.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original Peking Man fossils were lost during the Second Sino-Japanese War, not World War I, while being transported for safekeeping.

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During the Mao era, Peking Man was downplayed in educational materials to avoid associating it with Western scientific theories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to being downplayed, Peking Man was actively utilized during the Mao era in educational materials to integrate Marxist ideology with scientific findings and bolster national identity.

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During which conflict were the original Peking Man fossils lost?

Answer: The Second Sino-Japanese War

Explanation: The original Peking Man fossils were lost during the Second Sino-Japanese War, while being transported for safekeeping.

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How did the discovery of Peking Man influence Chinese anthropology and national identity post-revolution?

Answer: It was used to integrate Marxism with science and shape national identity by emphasizing deep human history in China.

Explanation: Following the revolution, Peking Man became a symbol used in Chinese education to integrate Marxist ideology with scientific findings and to foster a national identity rooted in deep human history within China.

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How was Peking Man integrated into Chinese ideology during the Mao era?

Answer: Featured in education to link Marxism with science and bolster national identity.

Explanation: During the Mao era, Peking Man was prominently featured in educational contexts to align Marxist principles with scientific understanding and to foster a sense of deep historical roots for the Chinese nation.

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