____________ is considered as connecting link between ape and man.

Options

A. Australopithecus
B. Homo habilis
C. Homo erectus
D. Neanderthal man

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the name of the organism that is considered a connecting link between apes and humans. This implies we are looking for a hominoid that exhibits characteristics of both groups.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided include various hominids such as Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Neanderthal man. We need to evaluate which of these is recognized as the connecting link.

3. **Evaluating Australopithecus**: Australopithecus is known to have existed around 3.7 million years ago and was first discovered in Africa. This hominid is significant because it displayed the ability to stand upright (bipedalism), a key trait that links it to modern humans.

4. **Characteristics of Australopithecus**:
- **Bipedalism**: Australopithecus could walk on two legs, which is a major evolutionary step towards human-like locomotion.
- **Cranial Capacity**: Its brain capacity was approximately 450 cc, which is smaller than modern humans but larger than that of most apes.
- **Facial Structure**: Australopithecus had a projecting face, which is a transitional feature between apes and humans.

5. **Comparing Other Options**:
- **Homo habilis**: This species appeared later (around 2.4 million years ago) and is considered to have evolved from Australopithecus, making it more advanced but not the initial connecting link.
- **Homo erectus**: Found about 2 million years ago, this species had a larger cranial capacity (around 900 cc) and more human-like features, but again, it is not the connecting link.
- **Neanderthal man**: This species existed much later (around 130,000 years ago) and is considered an advanced human, but not a link between apes and humans.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the evaluation, Australopithecus is the correct answer as it is recognized as the connecting link between apes and humans due to its unique combination of traits.

**Final Answer**: Australopithecus is considered as the connecting link between ape and man.

---