Answer :
Final answer:
Australopithecus had several ape-like physical characteristics, including long arms, long and curved finger and toe bones, pronounced jaw projection, and significant sexual dimorphism, which are indicative of its arboreal adaptations and evolutionary relationship with great apes.
Explanation:
Physical Characteristics of Australopithecus Suggesting Ape-like Features
The physical characteristics of Australopithecus that are ape-like include:
- Long arms: These are typically found in species that engage in brachiation or hanging from branches, indicating arboreal adaptations.
- Long and curved finger and toe bones: Such features are also associated with tree-dwelling behaviors as they facilitate grasping and climbing.
- Prognathism: A more pronounced projection of the jaw, which is a common trait in apes.
- Sexual dimorphism: Males being significantly larger than females, similar to the patterns observed in modern gorillas and orangutans.
While the bipedal locomotion of Australopithecus shows similarities with modern humans, these particular physical traits underscore its retained similarities to great apes.
