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IB Biology SL B4.2.8 Dentition and Diet in Family Hominidae Questions

Explore Paranthropus, Australopithecus and Homo dentition evidence, including jaw counts, canine or molar size and the fossil shift toward omnivorous diets in IB Biology SL B4.2.8.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Use tooth-count, jaw-size and tooth-size evidence to compare named Hominidae fossils, including Paranthropus upper/lower jaws and Homo erectus versus Homo sapiens.
  • Relate the fossil trend from large canines or jaws to smaller canines and molars to the recorded shift from soft plant foods toward a more omnivorous diet.

IB Biology SL B4.2.8 Dentition and Diet in Family Hominidae Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Scientists examined the teeth of a group of related species of cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika, Africa, to determine their evolutionary relationship. The group contains six species from two genera, Perissodus and Haplotaxodon. The chart shows the number of teeth per jaw of these species and indicates whether each is adapted to feed in shallow water or deep water. Species from the genus Perissodus are known for their unique feeding habit of eating the scales of other fish.

Figure for Question IB Biology SL B4.2.8 Dentition and Diet in Family Hominidae Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

> Key: ○ upper jaw • lower jaw □ shallow water ! deep water

Question (a)

(a)

State the mean number of teeth on the upper jaw of P. straeleni.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Compare the teeth on the upper and lower jaw of P. elaviae and P. hecqui.

[ 2 ]
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