what does the fossil record tell us about the evolution of the hominin skull? Is the answer the part of the skull surrounding the brain grew larger as hominins evolved
The fossil record provides valuable information about the evolution of the hominin skull. It tells us that the overall shape and size of the hominin skull changed over time, reflecting the evolutionary processes that occurred.
One significant trend observed in the fossil record is the increase in brain size in hominins over time. The part of the skull surrounding the brain, called the cranial vault, did indeed grow larger as hominins evolved. This increase in brain size is often associated with the development of more complex cognitive abilities and is considered a key feature in the evolutionary trajectory of hominins.
In addition to brain size, other changes in the hominin skull are also evident in the fossil record. For example, as hominins evolved, certain facial features, such as the protrusion of the lower face and the robustness of the brow ridges, became less prominent. The jaw also underwent modifications, with a decrease in size and reduced robustness.
Overall, the fossil record provides evidence of the gradual changes in the hominin skull, including the enlargement of the cranial vault and the reduction of certain facial features, reflecting the evolution of increased brain size and other adaptations.