Which of the following is considered as common ancestor of man and apes?

Options

A. Shivapithecus
B. Homo habilis
C. Australopithecus
D. Dryopithecus

Answer

To determine which of the following is considered the common ancestor of man and apes, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Shiva Pythicus**: This fossil is reported to be one of the earliest man-like primates found in Africa. However, it is not widely recognized as the common ancestor of modern humans and apes.

2. **Homo habilis**: Known as one of the earliest members of the genus Homo, Homo habilis is often referred to as the "handy man" due to its association with early stone tools. While significant in human evolution, it is not considered the common ancestor of both man and apes.

3. **Australopithecus**: This genus includes several species that are considered early ancestors of humans. They exhibit traits that are a mix of ape-like and human-like characteristics, but they are not the direct common ancestor of both modern humans and apes.

4. **Dryopithecus**: This genus is recognized as the common ancestor of both man and apes. Dryopithecus lived during the Miocene epoch and had a semi-erect posture. Its physical characteristics included limbs that were similar in size, a skull that resembled that of monkeys, and dentition that was more similar to apes. These traits suggest a close evolutionary relationship with both modern humans and apes.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer to the question is **Dryopithecus**.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Examine the options**: Look at each option given in the question.
2. **Analyze each option**: Understand the significance of each genus in the context of human evolution.
3. **Identify the common ancestor**: Determine which of the options is recognized as the common ancestor of both man and apes.
4. **Conclude the answer**: Based on the analysis, conclude that Dryopithecus is the common ancestor.