Year 10 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 17

Human Evolution

Challenge Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Predict consequences of Neanderthal survival for human history and modern genetics.
Evaluate what Neanderthal DNA in modern humans tells us about the nature of species boundaries.
Critique the "ladder of progress" view of human evolution using evidence.

Go Deeper

What if…?

Scenario

Approximately 40,000 years ago, Homo neanderthalensis went extinct. Scientists now know that before extinction, Neanderthals and Homo sapiens interbred, leaving 1–2% Neanderthal DNA in all non-African modern humans. But imagine a different history: Neanderthals did not go extinct. Instead, they survived alongside Homo sapiens into the present day, with both species continuing to interact across Eurasia.

(a) If Neanderthals had survived to today, what would their continued existence tell us about the "ladder of progress" view of evolution, the idea that human evolution was a straight line from primitive to advanced?

Challenge 3 marks

(b) The fact that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens interbred and produced fertile offspring is significant for how we define "species." Explain the challenge this evidence poses to the biological species concept.

Challenge 3 marks

Show What You Know

1. The popular image of human evolution shows a sequence from bent-knuckled ape to upright modern human in a straight line. Using two specific pieces of evidence from this lesson, explain why this "march of progress" image is scientifically misleading.

Challenge 4 marks

2. Some people argue "humans evolved from chimps." Using your knowledge of human evolution, explain precisely what is wrong with this claim and what the correct relationship between humans and chimpanzees is.

Challenge 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?