Dryopithecus was

Options

A. Early human
B. Human ancestor
C. Ape ancestor
D. Ancestor of both apes and humans.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Dryopithecus**: Dryopithecus is an important genus in the study of human evolution. It lived approximately 20 to 25 million years ago.

2. **Evolutionary Significance**: Dryopithecus is significant because it is believed to have evolved along two lines: one leading to modern apes and the other leading to humans.

3. **Lineage**: From Dryopithecus, several important ancestors in the human lineage emerged, including:
- Ramapithecus
- Australopithecus
- Advanced Australopithecus
- Homo erectus
- Homo sapiens (modern humans)
- Neanderthal man
- Cro-Magnon (Homo sapiens fossilis)

4. **Classification**: Dryopithecus is classified as an "ape man," meaning it shares characteristics with both apes and early human ancestors. It is not considered an early human itself.

5. **Correct Answer**: The question asks for the classification of Dryopithecus. The correct answer is that it is a human ancestor and also an ape ancestor. Therefore, it can be described as the common ancestor of both apes and humans.

6. **Fossil Evidence**: Fossils of Dryopithecus have been found in Miocene rocks in Africa and Europe, providing evidence of its existence and evolutionary significance.

7. **Physical Characteristics**: Dryopithecus had several notable physical features:
- More ape-like in structure
- Arms and legs of similar length
- Semi-erect posture (not fully erect)
- Large brain size
- Large muzzle and canines
- Lacked brow ridges
- Arboreal lifestyle (adapted to living in trees)
- Knuckle-walking behavior
- Diet consisted mainly of soft fruits and leaves

8. **Conclusion**: In summary, Dryopithecus is an important ancestor in the evolutionary lineage of both modern apes and humans, making it a key figure in the study of human evolution.

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