Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 12 Tuition
Q2:
Find out from newspapers and popular science articles any new fossil discoveries or controversies about evolution.
Solution :
Case Study: Discovery of Homo naledi (Dinaledi Chamber, Rising Star Cave System)
The discovery of Homo naledi, first announced in 2015 by Dr. Lee Berger and his team in the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star Cave system, South Africa, represents a significant controversy and milestone in human evolutionary studies. This discovery challenges the linear progression model of human evolution.
Step 1: Anatomical Analysis and Mosaic Characteristics
The skeletal remains exhibit a "mosaic" pattern of features, which complicates their placement within the hominin lineage [Per the principles of Phylogenetic Analysis].
- Cranial Features: The brain size is small ($\approx 465–610 \, \text{cm}^3$), similar to Australopithecus, yet the skull shape is more derived [By Comparative Anatomy].
- Post-Cranial Features: The hands and feet exhibit advanced, human-like adaptations for tool use and bipedal locomotion, while the shoulders remain adapted for climbing [By Functional Morphology].
Step 2: Chronological Controversy and Dating
The age of the fossils was initially uncertain, sparking intense debate. Subsequent dating using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Uranium-Thorium dating placed the fossils between $236,000$ and $335,000$ years ago [Chronometric Dating Standard].
Significance: This confirms that H. naledi existed contemporaneously with early Homo sapiens, proving that the human evolutionary tree is highly branched rather than a simple straight line.
Step 3: The Behavioral Controversy (Symbolic Behavior)
A recent and highly controversial claim suggests that H. naledi practiced intentional burial of the dead and created cave engravings. This challenges the long-held hypothesis that symbolic thought and complex funerary practices were exclusive to Homo sapiens and Neanderthals [Based on Cognitive Archaeology].
Visual Representation of Hominin Divergence
Comparative Analysis Table
| Feature | Homo naledi | Homo sapiens |
|---|---|---|
| Cranial Capacity | $\approx 500 \, \text{cc}$ | $\approx 1350 \, \text{cc}$ |
| Temporal Range | $335,000 \, \text{BP}$ | $300,000 \, \text{BP - Present}$ |
| Behavioral Evidence | Proposed burials/art | Confirmed complex culture |
Final Solution: The discovery of Homo naledi illustrates that human evolution is characterized by a "bushy" phylogeny where primitive and advanced traits often co-existed in isolated populations. The controversy regarding their cognitive abilities serves as a catalyst for re-evaluating the definition of "human" behavioral traits in the fossil record.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Evolution EXERCISES
- Q1: Explain antibiotic resistance observed in bacteria in light of Darwinian selection theory.
- Q1: Explain antibiotic resistance observed in bacteria in light of Darwinian selection theory.
- Q2: Find out from newspapers and popular science articles any new fossil discoveries or controversies about evolution.
- Q3: Attempt giving a clear definition of the term species.
- Q3: Attempt giving a clear definition of the term species.
- Q4: Try to trace the various components of human evolution (hint: brain size and function, skeletal structure, dietary preference, etc.)
- Q4: Try to trace the various components of human evolution (hint: brain size and function, skeletal structure, dietary preference, etc.)
- Q5: Find out through internet and popular science articles whether animals other than man has self-consciousness.
- Q5: Find out through internet and popular science articles whether animals other than man has self-consciousness.
- Q6: List 10 modern-day animals and using the internet resources link it to a corresponding ancient fossil. Name both.
- Q6: List 10 modern-day animals and using the internet resources link it to a corresponding ancient fossil. Name both.
- Q7: Practise drawing various animals and plants.
- Q7: Practise drawing various animals and plants.
- Q8: Describe one example of adaptive radiation.
- Q8: Describe one example of adaptive radiation.
- Q9: Can we call human evolution as adaptive radiation?
- Q9: Can we call human evolution as adaptive radiation?
- Q10: Using various resources such as your school Library or the internet and discussions with your teacher, trace the evolutionary stages of any one animal, say horse.
- Q10: Using various resources such as your school Library or the internet and discussions with your teacher, trace the evolutionary stages of any one animal, say horse.
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Evolution
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Organisms and Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
Top Tutors who teach Evolution
Top Tutor
Sector 33, Gurgaon
18 yrs of
Exp
4 students
739 hrs of classes completed
1200
per hour
Online Classes
Tutor's home
Expert Chemistry Mentor for IIT-JEE | NEET | CBSE – 18+ Years of Experience Hi, I’m Anuranjita. I am a Senior Chemistry Expert with over 18 years of experience at India's leading institutes like Aakash, FIITJEE, and TIME and hold an M.Tech. degree from Anna University, Chennai—one of the top 10 engineering universities in India. I have refined a highly structured, result-oriented teaching methodology designed to crack • IIT-JEE (Main & Advanced) • NEET • Score 100% in CBSE Board exams. (Class 11 & 12 – Chemistry) Over the years, I have trained thousands of students, many of whom have successfully secured admissions into AIIMS, IITs, NITs, and other top medical and engineering colleges across India. Here is what makes my classes uniquely effective: • Interactive and concept-driven teaching • Focus on building strong fundamentals • Personalized learning based on each student’s pace • Regular doubt-clearing sessions & Chapter-wise tests • Exam-oriented tips and problem-solving strategies • The "Exclusive 5" Batch Model (Personalized Attention) Unlike massive online batches with thousands of students where individual voices get lost, my classes are strictly limited to a maximum of 5 students. This ensures that every single student receives 1-on-1 level attention, and I can monitor each student's real-time progress, strengths, and weaknesses. • Rigorous Testing & PYQ Practice: Chapter-wise tests modeled strictly on the latest NTA patterns, alongside exhaustive solving of past years' questions (PYQs). Looking forward to helping you master chemistry! Best Regards Anuranjita
The class was good. The explanation of the concept is clear. All the queries are being addressed to the student accordingly.
Top Tutor
A B Road, Indore
4 yrs of
Exp
Online Classes
Student's Home
Tutor's home
I am a professional tutor with four years of experience in teaching. Having a degree in M.Com from Vikram University and an MBA from IMD Indore I have also completed my B.Ed from IPS Academy Indore in the year 2015. I teach Spoken English, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Statistics, Secretarial Practices, etc., for State, CBSE, ISC/ICSE Board students. I am well versed in English, Hindi and can take classes at Student's Home, My Home and Online Classes via video chat, skype, google hangout, etc.
Top Tutor
Adarsh Nagar, Sonipat
5 yrs of
Exp
6 students
284 hrs of classes completed
250
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
Tutor's home
I am an experienced, qualified teacher of Accountancy and Business studies. I am working as a teacher in a school and also providing tutions at home. I have experience of 7 years.I am certified in computer based teaching also. I will provide weekly assignments to the students.I am passionate to solve student's problems and to clear their doubts. I will provide assignments topic wise in order to make students understand the concepts easily.
Classes is going good. Tutor cleared all topics with good knowledge. Very friendly and supportive. Thank you.
Top Tutor
Maan, Pimpri-Chinchwad
10 yrs of
Exp
6 students
263 hrs of classes completed
1200
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
Tutor's home
I have been teaching students for the past 10 years and have guided many to students in getting excellent results, showcasing their best performance. Concept-based teaching and an extra emphasis on every student needs has helped me provide a quality teaching environment to my students.
Very nice teacher and little short tempered too. Had great knowledge of maths and chemistry. Thanks for teaching sir.
Top Tutor
Ottapalam, Ottapalam
8 yrs of
Exp
2 students
17 hrs of classes completed
600
per hour
Online Classes
I have 8 years of teaching experience in NEET and JEE Classes are taken with extra care
