[Campbell Biology P.798] Regarding the fossil 'Lucy' Australopithecus afarensis , which of t... | Practice Question

Regarding the fossil 'Lucy' Australopithecus afarensis , which of the following characteristics is accurately described in the text?

  • A: She was an entirely arboreal species with long arms and showed no signs of bipedalism.
  • B: She was discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia and was a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton, about 40% complete.
  • C: Her brain size was significantly larger than that of a modern human, indicating advanced cognitive abilities.
  • D: She stood approximately 1.7 m tall, similar to modern humans.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'In 1974, in the Afar region of Ethiopia, scientists discovered a 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton that was 40% complete. 'Lucy,' as the fossil was named, was short—only about 1 m tall.' All parts of option B are directly supported by the text.