IB Biology HL 3.1.2 Species as Groups with Shared Traits
Practise IB Biology HL 3.1.2 by comparing recognition features and anatomical data when distinguishing taxa and hominins.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Biology HL 3.1.2 by comparing recognition features and anatomical data when distinguishing taxa and hominins.
The diagram shows the range of heights and brain sizes found in four groups of hominids.

Distinguish between the characteristics of the Australopithecus and H. erectus using the data.
Australopithecus is shorter than H. erectus; Australopithecus has a greater range in height than H. erectus; Australopithecus has a smaller brain size than H. erectus; Australopithecus has a very small range in brain size compared to H. erectus; Accept converse. Do not accept numbers only.
State two ways, apart from brain volume, by which the skulls of the Australopithecus and H. erectus would differ in appearance.
1.
2.
jaw projection/size; teeth size; brow ridge size; receding/slant of forehead flatness of the face; position of hole for spinal cord/foramen magnum;
Comparing elements not necessary.