Scientific Theory about Human Origin

15 Grade 8 Social Studies questions on Scientific Theory about Human Origin, with worked marking schemes. 15 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   6 marks

   Explain three ways the development of the use of fire improved the life of early human beings.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Up to 2 marks per point (max 6): provided warmth allowing survival in cold areas; used for cooking making food softer and safer to eat; provided light at night; scared away wild animals for protection; used to harden tools/weapons.

2. Question 2

   4 marks

   The scientific (evolution) theory explains how early human beings developed over a long period of time.

   (a) State the meaning of the term 'evolution'.

   (b) Identify three stages in the evolution of human beings according to the scientific theory.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Evolution is the gradual change/development of living things (including human beings) from a simple form to a more complex form over a very long period of time. (b) Three stages in the evolution of human beings (in order): - Australopithecus (ape-man / southern ape) - Homo habilis (handy man) - Homo erectus (upright man) - Homo sapiens (wise/intelligent man / modern human being) (Any three correct stages)

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   According to the scientific theory of human origin, which East African region is widely regarded as the 'Cradle of Mankind' due to the discovery of early hominid fossils?

   A. The Sahara Desert

   B. The Great Rift Valley

   C. The Congo Basin

   D. The Kalahari Desert

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   The scientific (evolution) theory explains how human beings developed over a long period of time.

   (a) State two reasons why East Africa, including Kenya, is regarded as the 'Cradle of Mankind'. (2 marks)

   (b) Name one famous archaeological site in Kenya where early human fossils have been discovered. (1 mark)

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Reasons East Africa is regarded as the Cradle of Mankind (any two): 1. Some of the oldest fossils (remains) of early human beings have been discovered in the region. 2. Many early Stone Age tools and remains have been found here, showing early human activity. 3. The Great Rift Valley provided favourable conditions that preserved the fossils. (b) An archaeological site in Kenya (any one): Koobi Fora (around Lake Turkana), Olorgesailie, or Kariandusi.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Compared with earlier ancestors, modern humans (Homo sapiens) are MOST distinguished by their:

   A. Heavy body hair

   B. Large and complex brain enabling language and reasoning

   C. Lack of upright posture

   D. Inability to make tools

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   A scientist who studies fossils to learn about early human life is known as a:

   A. Meteorologist

   B. Geographer

   C. Palaeontologist

   D. Cartographer

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   4 marks

   (a) Name two famous archaeological sites in Kenya associated with the study of human origin.

   (b) State two reasons why such sites are important to Kenya.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) 2 marks: Koobi Fora, Olorgesailie, Lake Turkana/Lothagam, Kariandusi, Hyrax Hill. (b) 2 marks: provide evidence/knowledge of human origin; attract tourists/earn foreign exchange; preserve heritage; promote research/education.

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   Which of the following stages shows the CORRECT order in the evolution of early humans from earliest to most recent?

   A. Homo habilis, Australopithecus, Homo sapiens, Homo erectus

   B. Homo sapiens, Homo erectus, Homo habilis, Australopithecus

   C. Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens

   D. Homo erectus, Homo sapiens, Australopithecus, Homo habilis

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Many important fossils supporting human evolution in Kenya have been found near which lake in the Rift Valley region?

   A. Lake Naivasha

   B. Lake Turkana

   C. Lake Victoria

   D. Lake Magadi

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    According to the scientific (evolution) theory of human origin, in which continent did the earliest human ancestors first evolve?

    A. Africa

    B. Asia

    C. Europe

    D. Australia

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    "Homo habilis" is given a name that means "handy man." This name was chosen because this early human was associated with:

    A. Making and using simple stone tools

    B. Building modern houses

    C. Farming with tractors

    D. Writing and reading

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    According to the scientific (evolution) theory, human beings evolved over a long period from earlier ape-like ancestors. The scientist most associated with this theory of evolution is:

    A. Charles Darwin

    B. Louis Leakey

    C. Albert Einstein

    D. Isaac Newton

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Olorgesailie and Koobi Fora in Kenya are important to the study of human origin mainly because they are:

    A. Modern industrial towns

    B. Sites of ancient coastal trade

    C. Sites where early human fossils and tools have been discovered

    D. National game parks for tourists only

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    3 marks

    State three physical changes that took place as early human beings evolved.

    (3 marks)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    The discoveries by the Leakey family in the Olduvai Gorge and around Lake Turkana support the view that:

    A. Human beings first appeared in Europe

    B. Humans did not evolve at all

    C. Tools were never made by early humans

    D. Eastern Africa is one of the cradles of humankind

    (1 mark)

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