Although the phylogenetic lineages for hominids are not definitive, which of the following statements is not a possibility?

Options

A. Homo preceded Australopithecus.
B. Homo is the most recent.
C. Australopithecus is probably more ancient than Homo
D. Homo erectus preceded Homo sapiens.

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the phylogenetic lineages of hominids and identify which statement is not a possibility, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Phylogenetic Relationships
- Phylogenetic relationships describe how different species are related through evolution. In the case of hominids, we need to analyze the evolutionary timeline of various species such as Homo and Australopithecus.

### Step 2: Evaluate Each Statement
- We have several statements to consider regarding the evolutionary order of hominids:
1. Homo preceded Australopithecus.
2. Homo is the most recent.
3. Australopithecus is probably more ancient than Homo.
4. Homo erectus preceded Homo sapiens.

### Step 3: Analyze Each Statement
1. **Homo preceded Australopithecus**: This statement suggests that the genus Homo evolved before Australopithecus. This is not supported by fossil evidence, as Australopithecus is generally considered to be older and a precursor to Homo. Thus, this statement is likely not a possibility.

2. **Homo is the most recent**: This statement is true. Homo sapiens, which belongs to the genus Homo, is considered the most recent species in the hominid lineage.

3. **Australopithecus is probably more ancient than Homo**: This statement is also true. Australopithecus species existed before the emergence of the Homo genus.

4. **Homo erectus preceded Homo sapiens**: This statement is true. Homo erectus is an ancestor of modern humans (Homo sapiens) and existed before them.

### Step 4: Identify the Incorrect Statement
- After evaluating all the statements, we find that the first statement ("Homo preceded Australopithecus") is not a possibility based on current understanding of hominid evolution.

### Conclusion
- The statement that is not a possibility is: **Homo preceded Australopithecus**.

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