This interactive module sheds light on the evolutionary history of humans by comparing the features of a prehistoric primate skeleton to those of modern primates.
To determine evolutionary relationships among organisms, both living and extinct, scientists can compare DNA sequences, physiology, and anatomy. For example, scientists have used the bone structures of fossil specimens to reconstruct the path of human evolution. In this Click & Learn, students explore the evolutionary relationships among modern humans, modern chimpanzees, and a prehistoric primate named Ardipithecus ramidus. They examine a 4.4-million-year-old fossilized A. ramidus skeleton, nicknamed Ardi, and compare three of its key features — teeth, pelvis, and feet — with those of humans and chimpanzees.
Advance through the Click & Learn by selecting the navigation buttons at the sides of each page, or use the Previous and Next links at the bottom of each page on mobile devices.
This resource is optimized for use on computers and mobile devices. It is supported by the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari web browsers.
This resource has been designed, optimized, and tested for accessibility compliance (WCAG Level 2.1 AA Success Criteria).
Submit comments, questions, or feedback about this resource via email to biointeractive@hhmi.org.
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Version 2.0.1
Updated on 8/26/2024