Which one of the following statements is correct regarding evolution of mankind

Options

A. Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis
B. Neanderthal man and Cro-magnon man were living at the same time
C. Australopithecus was living in Australia
D. None of these

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding the evolution of mankind, we will analyze each option provided in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze the First Statement: "Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis."**
- **Explanation**: Homo habilis is indeed considered to be an earlier species than Homo erectus in the evolutionary timeline. Homo habilis existed before Homo erectus and is characterized by a smaller cranial capacity and a more stooped posture compared to Homo erectus, which had a more advanced upright posture and larger brain size.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **correct**.

2. **Analyze the Second Statement: "Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man were living at the same time."**
- **Explanation**: Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons (early modern humans) did not coexist. Neanderthals lived during the Pleistocene epoch, while Cro-Magnons appeared later during the Holocene epoch. Therefore, they did not share the same time period.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **incorrect**.

3. **Analyze the Third Statement: "Australopithecus was living in Australia."**
- **Explanation**: Australopithecus is a genus of hominins that lived in Africa, not Australia. Fossils of Australopithecus have been found primarily in East and South Africa.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **incorrect**.

4. **Analyze the Fourth Statement: "None of these."**
- **Explanation**: Since we have already identified the first statement as correct, this option cannot be true.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **incorrect**.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement regarding the evolution of mankind is: **"Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis."**

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