Which of the following was most similar to modern man ?

Options

A. Java man
B. Neanderthal man
C. Homo habilis
D. Cro-Magnon man

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understand the Question**: The question asks which of the listed ancient human species was most similar to modern humans (Homo sapiens).

2. **Review Human Evolution**: Human evolution began around 20 to 25 million years ago. Key species in this evolutionary line include:
- **Dryopithecus**
- **Ramapithecus**
- **Australopithecus**
- **Homo habilis** (known as the handyman or toolmaker)
- **Homo erectus** (the upright man)
- **Neanderthal man**
- **Cro-Magnon man**

3. **Identify Key Characteristics of Each Species**:
- **Homo habilis**: Early tool user, but had some primitive features.
- **Homo erectus**: Stood upright, but still had some differences from modern humans.
- **Neanderthal man**: Had some similarities but also distinct features that set them apart from modern humans.
- **Cro-Magnon man**: Appeared around 50,000 years ago and is considered a direct ancestor of modern humans.

4. **Analyze the Features of Cro-Magnon Man**:
- Height: Approximately 1.8 meters
- Body: Well-built
- Face: Orthognathus (not protruding)
- Nose: Narrow and elevated
- Forehead: Broad and arced
- Brow ridges: Moderate
- Jaws: Strong with man-like dentition
- Cranial capacity: Approximately 1650 cc, which is similar to modern humans.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the Cro-Magnon man (also known as Homo sapiens fossilis) has the most similarities to modern humans in terms of physical characteristics and cranial capacity.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the answer to the question is **Cro-Magnon man**.

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