PrepTest 87, Section 2, Question 14
Biologists are mistaken in thinking that the fossil record provides direct evidence of the course of human evolution. Fossils cannot be interpreted objectively: the physical characteristics by which they are classified invariably reflect the models the paleontologists wish to test. For example, classifying a pelvis as human because it supported an upright posture requires taking for granted that bipedalism distinguished early hominids from apes.
Biologists are mistaken in thinking that the fossil record provides direct evidence of the course of human evolution. Fossils cannot be interpreted objectively: the physical characteristics by which they are classified invariably reflect the models the paleontologists wish to test. For example, classifying a pelvis as human because it supported an upright posture requires taking for granted that bipedalism distinguished early hominids from apes.
Biologists are mistaken in thinking that the fossil record provides direct evidence of the course of human evolution. Fossils cannot be interpreted objectively: the physical characteristics by which they are classified invariably reflect the models the paleontologists wish to test. For example, classifying a pelvis as human because it supported an upright posture requires taking for granted that bipedalism distinguished early hominids from apes.
Biologists are mistaken in thinking that the fossil record provides direct evidence of the course of human evolution. Fossils cannot be interpreted objectively: the physical characteristics by which they are classified invariably reflect the models the paleontologists wish to test. For example, classifying a pelvis as human because it supported an upright posture requires taking for granted that bipedalism distinguished early hominids from apes.
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the overall conclusion of the argument?
No early apes had pelvises that would support an upright posture.
The claims made by evolutionary theorists cannot be objectively tested.
The fossil remains of some early hominids are difficult to distinguish from those of apes.
The fossil record does not directly reveal the course of human evolution.
Paleontologists' classifications of fossils are always influenced by the theories that these scientists are testing.
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