What does the brain size of 900cc in the Nariokotome "Turkana Boy" indicate about his species?

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Prepare for the UCF ANT2511 Final Exam with quizzes covering key concepts in anthropology. Study with multiple-choice questions, each packed with hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and get ready for exam success!

The brain size of 900cc in the Nariokotome "Turkana Boy" suggests advanced cognitive abilities for his species. This volume indicates that he likely had an enhanced capacity for functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, and potentially the ability to plan and communicate more effectively than earlier hominins with smaller brain sizes.

The increase in brain size is associated with the development of more complex behaviors, social interactions, and the use of tools. Larger brains in hominin evolution often correlate with advancements in technological skills and social structures, which means that having a brain size of 900cc is not merely about being primitive. It reflects a significant evolutionary step towards modern human-like cognition, which encompasses a range of advanced functions including better adaptation to environments and innovative survival strategies.