Human Origin

14 Grade 7 Social Studies questions on Human Origin, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   East Africa is often referred to as 'the Cradle of Mankind' because many early human fossils have been found there. a) Name two sites in Kenya where remains of early human beings have been discovered. (2 marks) b) Give two reasons why archaeologists study fossils and other remains of early human beings. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   a) Two sites in Kenya where remains of early human beings have been discovered (any two): - Koobi Fora (on the eastern shores of Lake Turkana). - Olorgesailie (in Kajiado County). - Rusinga Island (in Lake Victoria). - Kariandusi (near Lake Elementaita, Nakuru). - Fort Ternan (in Kericho). b) Two reasons why archaeologists study these remains: - To learn how early human beings looked, lived and developed (their physical and cultural evolution) over time. - To find out about the tools, food and environment of early people, helping us understand the origin and history of humankind.

2. Question 2

   1 mark

   East Africa is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Mankind'. The main reason for this description is that the region has:

   A. The first cities in the world

   B. The richest collection of early human fossils

   C. The oldest written records

   D. The largest modern population

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Compared to earlier ancestors, one major behavioural development that allowed Homo erectus to survive in colder areas and cook food was the:

   A. Building of stone houses

   B. Invention of writing

   C. Discovery and use of fire

   D. Use of mobile phones

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Dr Louis and Mary Leakey carried out famous excavations that uncovered remains of early human beings in East Africa. At which Kenyan site were such fossils notably discovered?

   A. Tsavo plains

   B. Lake Victoria shores

   C. Mount Kenya

   D. Lake Turkana (Koobi Fora)

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   The name 'Homo habilis' is associated with toolmaking. What does this name mean, reflecting that stage's key skill?

   A. Upright man

   B. Wise man

   C. Handy or skilful man

   D. Ape man

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   3 marks

   Identify three uses of tools made by early human beings during the Stone Age.

   (3 marks)

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7. Question 7

   3 marks

   Early human beings developed several physical features as they evolved. State three physical changes that occurred in human beings during the process of evolution.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three (1 mark each): development of an upright (bipedal) posture; increase in brain size/capacity; reduction of body hair; development of opposable thumbs/grasping hands; reduction in size of jaws and teeth; loss of brow ridges; longer legs for walking/running.

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   A class is studying the gradual changes that took place in early human beings over a very long period. Which scientific explanation best accounts for these physical and behavioural changes from ape-like ancestors to modern humans?

   A. The creation story

   B. The diffusion theory

   C. The theory of evolution

   D. The migration theory

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Scientists believe that the earliest human ancestors first appeared in which continent?

   A. Asia

   B. Africa

   C. Europe

   D. Australia

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A learner arranges stages of human evolution in order. Which stage represents the most recent, fully modern human being?

    A. Australopithecus

    B. Homo erectus

    C. Homo sapiens

    D. Homo habilis

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Fossils are important to scientists studying human origin.

    (a) Define the term fossil.

    (b) Give two reasons why the study of fossils is important in understanding human origin.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) A fossil is the preserved remains, impression or trace of a plant or animal (including early humans) that lived long ago, found in rocks/the earth (2 marks). (b) Any two (1 mark each): they show how early humans looked/their physical features; they help date/establish the age of early humans; they provide evidence of evolution and how humans changed over time; they show the environment in which early humans lived.

12. Question 12

    4 marks

    The earliest evidence of human evolution has been found in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa.

    (a) State two reasons why the Rift Valley is rich in fossils of early human beings. (2 marks)

    (b) Name two sites in Kenya where fossils of early human beings have been discovered. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Two reasons the Rift Valley is rich in fossils: - The volcanic activity and layers of ash buried and preserved the remains, protecting them from decay and scavengers. - Soil erosion and earth movements over time exposed the buried fossils, making them easier to discover. (Other acceptable points: sedimentary rock layers preserved remains; faulting brought ancient layers near the surface.) (b) Two sites in Kenya where fossils of early human beings have been found: - Koobi Fora (near Lake Turkana) - Olorgesailie (in Kajiado) (Other acceptable: Kariandusi, Fort Ternan, Lothagam, Kanapoi.)

13. Question 13

    1 mark

    In which region of Kenya have many important fossils of early human ancestors been discovered?

    A. The Coastal Plain

    B. The Lake Victoria Basin

    C. The Great Rift Valley

    D. The Northern Desert

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    According to the theory of evolution, the earliest evidence of human ancestors in East Africa has been found mainly in which region?

    A. The Sahara Desert in North Africa

    B. The Great Rift Valley of East Africa

    C. The Congo Basin rainforest

    D. The Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa

    (1 mark)

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