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------------------------------------------------ Early Hominid Evolution

In this activity, you will identify basic trends in hominid evolution from early ancestors six million years ago to modern humans. You will also assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author's claim or a recommendation for solving a scientific or technical problem. Additionally, you will evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

Estimated time to complete: 1 hour

1. Read this article on early hominid evolution to familiarize yourself with the subject.
2. Carefully consider the discussion of possible evolutionary links between early hominids and modern humans. Understanding the nature of the arguments in this text and their scientific context will be important for this activity.
3. Note that for the purposes of this activity, the terms "hominin" and "hominid" will both be taken to mean the group of organisms consisting of modern humans, all extinct human-like species, and all of the immediate ancestors of humans.

Part A:
Thoroughly analyze the arguments made in the article regarding potential evolutionary links between the australopithecines and the ancestors of the genus Homo. What evidence is provided by the author to conclude that the later paranthropoids were not direct ancestors of modern humans? Is this evidence sufficient to support his claim? Why or why not?