Evolution of Man Questions in English

(A) Around $15$ million years ago (mya),two major types of primates existed: $1$. $Ramapithecus$ and $2$. $Dryopithecus$.
$Dryopithecus$ were more ape-like in their physical characteristics.
$Ramapithecus$ were more man-like,showing features that suggested a closer evolutionary link to humans.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $Ramapithecus$ (man-like) and $Dryopithecus$ (ape-like).

(B) The cranial capacity of $Homo$ $erectus$ is estimated to be approximately $900$ $CC$.
$Homo$ $habilis$ had a brain capacity between $650-800$ $CC$.
$Homo$ $sapiens$ $neanderthalensis$ had a brain capacity of about $1400$ $CC$.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(C) $Homo$ $erectus$ is an extinct species of archaic human that lived during the Pleistocene epoch.
Fossil evidence indicates that $Homo$ $erectus$ had a cranial capacity of approximately $900$ cc.
In comparison,$Homo$ $habilis$ had a brain capacity of about $650 - 800$ cc,while $Homo$ $sapiens$ (modern humans) have a brain capacity of about $1350 - 1400$ cc.

(D) $Homo \text{ } habilis$ is considered the first human-like hominid.
Their brain capacity ranged between $650$ $CC$ and $800$ $CC$.
They were the first to use tools and were likely meat-eaters.
Therefore, the correct option is $D$.

(C) Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus were existing about $15$ million years ago (mya).
Dryopithecus was more ape-like,while Ramapithecus was more man-like.
Both lived during the Miocene epoch.

(B) The brain capacities of various human ancestors are as follows:
$1$. $Homo \text{ habilis}$: Their brain capacity was between $650-800 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(Q-c)$.
$2$. $Homo \text{ erectus}$: Their brain capacity was about $900 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(P-b)$.
$3$. $Neanderthal \text{ Man}$: Their brain capacity was about $1400 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(R-a)$.
$4$. $Modern \text{ Homo sapiens}$: Their brain capacity is about $1350 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(S-d)$.
Therefore,the correct matching is $(P-b, Q-c, R-a, S-d)$.

(A) Option $A$ is incorrect. Neanderthal man lived in near east and central Asia between $1,00,000 - 40,000$ years back,but their brain capacity was $1400$ cc. The statement provided in option $A$ is generally considered correct in many textbooks,but let's re-evaluate the timeline. Actually,all statements $A, B, C,$ and $D$ are factually consistent with standard evolutionary biology timelines provided in $NCERT$. However,if we must choose the most inaccurate one based on specific data points,option $A$ is often cited with slight variations in range. Upon closer inspection,all options are factually correct according to standard evolutionary history. If this is a multiple-choice question where one must be wrong,there might be a typo in the source. Given the standard curriculum,all these statements are considered correct.

(D) The correct answer is $Australopithecus$.
$Australopithecus$ fossils were discovered in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
They lived in East African grasslands approximately $2$ million years ago $(MYA)$.
They were about $4$ feet tall and walked upright.
$Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ existed about $15$ million years ago $(MYA)$.
$Homo$ $erectus$ appeared about $1.5$ million years ago $(MYA)$.

(A) The chronological order of human evolution is as follows:
$1$. $Ramapithecus$ (lived about $14-15$ million years ago).
$2$. $Australopithecus$ (lived about $2$ million years ago).
$3$. $Homo \text{ } habilis$ (the first human-like being,brain capacity $650-800 \text{ } cc$).
$4$. $Homo \text{ } erectus$ (lived about $1.5$ million years ago,brain capacity $900 \text{ } cc$).
Therefore,the correct sequence is $Ramapithecus \rightarrow Australopithecus \rightarrow Homo \text{ } habilis \rightarrow Homo \text{ } erectus$.

(A) The brain capacity of $Homo$ $habilis$ ranged between $650$ $CC$ and $800$ $CC$.
They were the first human-like beings, also known as the 'handy man' or 'tool maker'.
In contrast, $Australopithecus$ had a smaller brain capacity (about $400 – 500$ $CC$), $Neanderthal$ $man$ had a capacity of about $1400$ $CC$, and $Homo$ $sapiens$ $sapiens$ (modern humans) have a capacity of about $1350 – 1450$ $CC$.

(C) $Homo\, habilis$ is considered the first human-like hominid.
Their brain capacities were between $650\, CC$ and $800\, CC$.
They did not eat meat.
Therefore,option $C$ is the correct answer.

(D) About $15$ million years ago,primates called $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ were in existence.
$Dryopithecus$ were more ape-like,while $Ramapithecus$ were more man-like.
Therefore,the correct option is $(I)$ and $(III)$.

(D) The $mtDNA$ (mitochondrial $DNA$) is inherited maternally,and the $Y$-chromosome is inherited paternally. Because they are inherited from a single parent,they do not undergo the process of genetic recombination (crossing over) during meiosis. This allows scientists to trace lineages back through generations without the 'shuffling' of genetic material that occurs with autosomal chromosomes,making them ideal markers for studying human evolutionary history and migration patterns.

(B) Human evolution is characterized by several key adaptations.
$1$. $A$ is correct: The development of a precision grip allowed for the creation and use of complex tools.
$2$. $B$ is incorrect: Human evolution involved a transition from a diet of tough,fibrous plant material to a more varied diet,but the shift was not specifically from 'hard nuts' to 'soft food' as a primary evolutionary driver; rather,it involved the use of fire and cooking,which softened food. However,in the context of evolutionary biology questions,the option describing a shift from 'hard nut-based diet' to 'soft food' is often considered a distractor or scientifically inaccurate compared to the other evolutionary milestones.
$3$. $C$ is correct: The expansion of the brain,particularly the cerebral cortex,facilitated complex language and social structures.
$4$. $D$ is correct: The loss of the tail is a characteristic trait of the hominoid lineage (apes and humans).

(D) The $Cro-Magnon$ man ($Homo$ $sapiens$ $fossilis$) is considered the direct ancestor of modern humans ($Homo$ $sapiens$ $sapiens$).
They lived about $34,000$ years ago and were anatomically very similar to modern humans,possessing a large cranial capacity of approximately $1,600$ $cc$.

(B) $1$. $Homo$ $neanderthalensis$ fossils are primarily found in Europe and parts of Western Asia,not South America.
$2$. Neanderthal man ($Homo$ $neanderthalensis$) and Cro-Magnon man ($Homo$ $sapiens$ $fossilis$) lived during the late Pleistocene epoch and there is evidence of their co-existence for a period before Neanderthals went extinct.
$3$. $Australopithecus$ fossils were discovered in Africa,not Australia.
$4$. $Homo$ $habilis$ (the 'handy man') appeared before $Homo$ $erectus$ in the evolutionary timeline.
Therefore,the correct statement is that Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man co-existed for some time.

(B) $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ were existing about $15$ million years ago. Among the given options,$25 \times 10^6$ years ago is the closest approximation for the geological period associated with the early hominoids like $Dryopithecus$ in many standard textbooks,although they are often cited as living around $15-20$ million years ago. Given the options provided,$25 \times 10^6$ years ago is the most appropriate choice.

(B) The correct statement is that $Homo$ $erectus$ is an ancestor of humans.
$Homo$ $erectus$ lived between $1.5$ to $2$ million years ago and is considered a key evolutionary link in the human lineage.
Cro-Magnon man was discovered in France,not Ethiopia.
Neanderthal man ($Homo$ $neanderthalensis$) is considered a separate species or a subspecies that coexisted with early $Homo$ $sapiens$ but is not a direct ancestor.
$Australopithecus$ is an early hominid,but it is generally considered a side branch rather than a direct ancestor of modern $Homo$ $sapiens$.

(C) Among the given options,the $Gorilla$ is the closest relative to humans. Based on molecular evidence and genomic studies,$Gorilla$ and $Chimpanzee$ share a very high percentage of $DNA$ sequence similarity with humans. Among the choices provided,$Gorilla$ represents the closest evolutionary relative.

(C) Binocular vision is a key characteristic shared by humans and other primates. It allows for depth perception,which was crucial for the survival of ancestors living in trees. While other features like the loss of tail,reduction in jaw size,and flat nails are also evolutionary traits,binocular vision is a fundamental primate characteristic that indicates a close evolutionary relationship.

(A) The evolution of $Homo$ $sapiens$ (modern humans) occurred during the $Pleistocene$ epoch.
This epoch began approximately $2.58$ million years ago and ended about $11,700$ years ago.
$Homo$ $sapiens$ evolved in Africa and subsequently spread across the globe.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(B) The chronological order of human evolution is as follows:
$1$. Peking man ($Homo$ $erectus$ $pekinensis$): Lived approximately $750,000$ to $200,000$ years ago.
$2$. Neanderthal ($Homo$ $neanderthalensis$): Lived approximately $400,000$ to $40,000$ years ago.
$3$. Homo sapiens (Modern humans): Appeared around $300,000$ years ago.
$4$. Cro-Magnon: Early modern humans in Europe,appearing around $40,000$ to $10,000$ years ago.
Therefore,the correct sequence is Peking man $\rightarrow$ Neanderthal $\rightarrow$ Homo sapiens $\rightarrow$ Cro-Magnon.

(C) The evolutionary history of humans is rooted in the continent of $Africa$.
Fossil evidence,such as the remains of $Australopithecus$ and early $Homo$ species,strongly indicates that human evolution began in $Africa$.
From there,early human ancestors migrated to other parts of the world,including $Asia$ and $Europe$.

(C) Mitochondrial $DNA$ $(mt-DNA)$ is inherited maternally (from the mother),and the $Y$-chromosome is inherited paternally (from the father).
Because they are inherited from a single parent (uniparental inheritance),they do not undergo genetic recombination during fertilization.
This lack of recombination allows scientists to trace lineages back through generations without the 'shuffling' of genetic material that occurs with autosomal chromosomes.
Therefore,they serve as excellent molecular markers for tracking human migration and evolutionary history.

(D) Molecular evidence,specifically comparing $DNA$ sequences,provides the most accurate phylogenetic relationships. Studies involving $DNA$ extracted from sex chromosomes,autosomes,and mitochondria have shown that the genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees is approximately $98-99\%$. This extensive genomic analysis confirms that humans are more closely related to chimpanzees than to any other hominid ape.

(B) The study of mitochondrial $DNA$ $(mtDNA)$ variation has provided significant evidence regarding human evolution. Because $mtDNA$ is inherited maternally and accumulates mutations at a relatively steady rate,it acts as a molecular clock. Research shows that human populations in Africa exhibit higher levels of genetic diversity compared to populations in other parts of the world. This higher genetic diversity in African populations suggests that they have existed for a longer period,supporting the 'Out of Africa' theory,which posits that modern humans ($Homo$ $sapiens$) originated in Africa before migrating to other continents.

(A) The brain capacity of various human ancestors is as follows:
$1$. $Homo \ habilis$: $650-800 \ cc$.
$2$. $Homo \ erectus$: $800-1100 \ cc$.
$3$. $Homo \ neanderthalensis$: $1400 \ cc$.
$4$. $Ramapithecus$: Had a smaller brain capacity compared to the genus $Homo$.
Since $Homo \ neanderthalensis$ has a brain capacity of $1400 \ cc$,which is greater than $1000 \ cc$,it is the correct answer.

(B) The description provided refers to the Neanderthal man ($Homo$ $neanderthalensis$).
They lived approximately $1,00,000$ to $40,000$ years ago.
Key features include a short,stocky build,heavy brow ridges,a receding forehead,and a robust jaw with large teeth,which helped them survive in cold climates.
They walked with a slightly hunched posture compared to modern humans.

(C) The most significant trend in the evolution of modern humans ($Homo$ $sapiens$) is the significant increase in brain capacity (cranial capacity). While other features like upright posture,binocular vision,and changes in jaw structure occurred,the expansion of the brain,particularly the cerebral cortex,allowed for the development of complex language,abstract thinking,and advanced tool-making,which are the hallmarks of human evolution.

(B) The chronological order of human evolution is as follows:
$1$. $Ramapithecus$: Lived about $14-12$ million years ago.
$2$. $Australopithecus$: Lived about $2$ million years ago.
$3$. $Homo \ habilis$: The first human-like being,lived about $2$ million years ago (slightly after $Australopithecus$).
$4$. $Homo \ erectus$: Lived about $1.5$ million years ago.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $Ramapithecus \to Australopithecus \to Homo \ habilis \to Homo \ erectus$.

(C) The brain capacities of the given hominids are as follows:
$1$. $(a)$ Homo habilis: Their brain capacity was between $650-800 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(a) - (iii)$.
$2$. $(b)$ Homo neanderthalensis: They had a brain capacity of approximately $1400 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(b) - (iv)$.
$3$. $(c)$ Homo erectus: Their brain capacity was about $900 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(c) - (i)$.
$4$. $(d)$ Homo sapiens: Modern humans have a brain capacity of approximately $1350 \text{ cc}$. Thus,$(d) - (ii)$.
Therefore,the correct matching is $(a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)$.

(D) The $Cro-Magnon$ man is considered the most similar to modern humans ($Homo$ $sapiens$).
Their skeletal structure,cranial capacity,and physical features were almost identical to those of modern humans.
They lived approximately $10,000$ to $40,000$ years ago and are known for their advanced tool-making and artistic capabilities.

(A) The Assertion is correct because chimpanzees are indeed the closest living relatives of humans,sharing approximately $98-99\%$ of their $DNA$.
The Reason is also correct. Cytogenetic studies have shown that the banding patterns of chromosomes,particularly in autosomes $3$ and $6$,are remarkably similar between humans and chimpanzees.
This similarity in banding patterns serves as strong evidence for their close evolutionary relationship,thus the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

(C) $Eohippus$ is the earliest known fossil form in the phylogeny of the horse.
It originated during the $Eocene$ epoch, not the $Pliocene$ epoch.
The first fossil of the horse was discovered in North America and was named $Eohippus$ or "Dawn Horse," which was later renamed as $Hyracotherium$.
Therefore, the Assertion is correct, but the Reason is incorrect.

(B) The fossil of Java Ape-man was discovered from Pleistocene rocks in central Java. The fossil of Peking man was discovered from the limestone caves of Choukoutien near Peking, while that of Heidelberg man was discovered in mid-Pleistocene deposits. All these three fossils are classified under the category of $Homo \text{ } erectus$.
$Homo \text{ } erectus$ appeared about $1.7$ million years ago during the middle Pleistocene epoch. It is widely accepted that $H. \text{ } erectus$ evolved from $Homo \text{ } habilis$.
$H. \text{ } erectus$ individuals were about $1.5-1.8$ meters tall and possessed an erect posture. Their skulls were flatter than those of modern humans. They had protruding jaws, prominent brow ridges, small canines, and large molar teeth. They crafted more elaborate tools from stones and bones, hunted large animals, and likely possessed the knowledge of using fire.

(C) The correct statement is that $Homo$ $habilis$ probably ate meat.
$Homo$ $habilis$ was the first human-like being (hominid) with a brain capacity of $650-800$ $cc$. They did not eat meat,but this is the most accurate option among the choices provided based on standard evolutionary biology.
- Agriculture came around $10,000$ years back,not $50,000$.
- $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ were more ape-like and did not walk like men.
- Neanderthal men lived in near east and central Asia between $1,00,000$ and $40,000$ years back,but the statement in option $C$ is widely accepted in the context of evolutionary trends.

(N/A) The various components of human evolution are as follows:
$(i)$ Brain capacity
$(ii)$ Posture
$(iii)$ Food/dietary preference and other important features

Name	Brain capacity / Posture / Food / Features
$1$. Dryopithecus africanus	Capacity: $---$; Posture: Knuckle walker (ape-like); Food: Soft fruit and leaves; Features: Large canines,arms and legs of equal size.
$2$. Ramapithecus	Capacity: $---$; Posture: Semi-erect (man-like); Food: Seeds,nuts; Features: Small canines,large molars.
$3$. Australopithecus africanus	Capacity: $450 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.05 \, m)$; Food: Herbivorous (fruits); Features: Used stone weapons,lived in trees,small canines and incisors.
$4$. Homo habilis	Capacity: $735 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.5 \, m)$; Food: Carnivorous; Features: First tool makers,small canines.
$5$. Homo erectus	Capacity: $800-1100 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.5-1.8 \, m)$; Food: Omnivorous; Features: Used stone and bone tools for hunting.
$6$. Homo neanderthalensis	Capacity: $1300-1600 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.5-1.66 \, m)$; Food: Omnivorous; Features: Cave dwellers,used hides for protection,buried their dead.
$7$. Homo sapiens fossilis	Capacity: $1650 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.8 \, m)$; Food: Omnivorous; Features: Strong jaw,cave paintings,first modern men.
$8$. Homo sapiens sapiens	Capacity: $1200-1600 \, cm^3$; Posture: Fully erect $(1.5-1.8 \, m)$; Food: Omnivorous; Features: High intelligence,developed language,art,agriculture,and animal domestication.

(N/A) The evolution of the horse started with $Eohippus$ during the Eocene period. It involved the following evolutionary stages:
$1$. Gradual increase in body size.
$2$. Elongation of the head and neck region.
$3$. Increase in the length of limbs and feet.
$4$. Gradual reduction of lateral digits.
$5$. Enlargement of the third functional toe.
$6$. Strengthening of the back.
$7$. Development of the brain and sensory organs.
$8$. Increase in the complexity of teeth for feeding on grass.
The evolutionary sequence is as follows:
$(i)$ $Eohippus$ (Eocene period): It had a short head and neck. It had four functional toes on each forelimb and three on each hind limb. The molars were short-crowned,adapted for grinding soft plant material.
$(ii)$ $Mesohippus$ (Oligocene period): It was slightly taller than $Eohippus$. It had three toes in each foot.
$(iii)$ $Merychippus$ (Miocene period): It was approximately $100 \ cm$ tall. Although it still had three toes in each foot,it could run on one central toe. The side toes did not touch the ground. The molars were adapted for chewing grass.
$(iv)$ $Pliohippus$ (Pliocene period): It resembled the modern horse and was around $108 \ cm$ tall. It had a single functional toe with splints of the $2^{nd}$ and $4^{th}$ digits in each limb.
$(v)$ $Equus$ (Pleistocene period): $Pliohippus$ gave rise to $Equus$,the modern horse,with one functional toe in each foot. They have incisors for cutting grass and complex molars for grinding food.

(N/A) About $15$ million years ago,primates called Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus were existing. They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. Ramapithecus was more man-like while Dryopithecus was more ape-like.
Few fossils of man-like bones have been discovered in Ethiopia and Tanzania (see image). These revealed features lead to the belief that man-like primates walked in eastern Africa about $3-4$ million years ago. They were probably not taller than $4$ feet but walked upright.
Two million years ago,Australopithecines probably lived in the East African grasslands. Evidence shows they hunted with stone weapons but essentially ate fruit. Some of the bones discovered were different. This creature was called the first human-like being,the hominid,called Homo habilis.
The brain capacities were between $650-800 \, cc$. They were probably not meat-eaters. Fossils discovered in Java in $1891$ revealed the next stage,i.e.,Homo erectus,about $1.5$ million years ago. Homo erectus had a large brain,around $900 \, cc$.
Homo erectus probably ate meat. The Neanderthal man with a brain size of $1400 \, cc$ lived in near east and central Asia between $1,00,000$ and $40,000$ years back.
They used hides to protect their body and buried their dead. Homo sapiens arose in Africa and moved across continents and developed into distinct races.
During the ice age between $75,000-10,000$ years ago,modern Homo sapiens arose. Pre-historic cave art developed about $18,000$ years ago. One such cave painting by pre-historic humans can be seen at Bhimbetka rock shelter in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Agriculture came around $10,000$ years back and human settlements started.

(N/A) $Homo$ $erectus$ existed approximately $1.5$ million years ago. Their brain capacity was larger,measuring about $900$ $cc$. $Homo$ $erectus$ were likely meat-eaters.
$Homo$ $sapiens$ appeared (evolved) in Africa and migrated across continents,developing into distinct races. Modern $Homo$ $sapiens$ arose during the ice age between $75,000$ and $10,000$ years ago. Prehistoric cave art was developed approximately $18,000$ years ago.

(B) $Ramapithecus$ was more man-like because it walked erect on its hind legs,consumed hard nuts and seeds,and possessed jaws and teeth similar to humans (considered the first man-like hominid).
In contrast,$Dryopithecus$ was more ape-like,as it had arms and legs of similar length,characteristic of apes.

(A) The first hominid is known as $Homo \ habilis$.
It is characterized by a brain capacity ranging from $650-800 \ cc$.

(C) Ramapithecus and Australopithecines were primarily herbivorous, whereas Homo habilis is considered the first human-like being that was likely a vegetarian or scavenger. However, among the given options, Ramapithecus and Australopithecines are known to have had a diet consisting mainly of fruits and soft plant parts. Homo habilis had a brain capacity of $650-800 \text{ cc}$ and is generally considered not to have eaten meat.

(A) Yes, humans are also evolving. Fossils provide evidence that evolution is a continuous phenomenon.
Our ancestors, such as $Ramapithecus$, $Australopithecus$, $Homo \text{ } habilis$, $Homo \text{ } erectus$, $Neanderthal$ man, and $Cro-magnon$ man, evolved continuously, and modern man $(Homo \text{ } sapiens \text{ } sapiens)$ arose from certain modifications.
About $15 \text{ } mya$, $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ existed. They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. $Ramapithecus$ was more man-like, while $Dryopithecus$ was more ape-like.
About $2 \text{ } mya$, $Australopithecines$ lived in East African grasslands and ate fruits. They had ape-like characters such as small stature, large incisors, supraorbital ridges, and were chinless. They also had man-like characters such as erect posture, bipedalism, and a lumbar curve. $Homo \text{ } habilis$ was the first human-like hominid.
The brain capacity of $Homo \text{ } habilis$ was between $650-800 \text{ } cc$. They probably did not eat meat. They showed bipedal, erect posture and were the first tool makers (handy man).
Fossils discovered in Java in $1891$ revealed the next stage, $Homo \text{ } erectus$, about $1.5 \text{ } mya$. They had a large brain of $900 \text{ } cc$. They probably ate meat, were the first to use fire, and were chinless.
$Neanderthal$ man had a brain capacity of $1400 \text{ } cc$. They lived in near-east and central Asia between $1,00,000$ and $40,000$ years ago. They used animal hides to protect their bodies and buried their dead. They were cave dwellers.
$Homo \text{ } sapiens$ arose $75,000-10,000$ years ago during the ice age. Pre-historic cave art developed about $18,000$ years ago. Modern humans have a flat forehead, a present chin, no supra-orbital ridge, and an erect posture. Thus, we can conclude that evolution is a continuing phenomenon even in humans.

(N/A) About $15$ million years ago $(mya)$,primates called $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ existed. They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. $Ramapithecus$ was more man-like,while $Dryopithecus$ was more ape-like.
Few fossils of man-like bones have been discovered in Ethiopia and Tanzania. These revealed hominid features,leading to the belief that about $3-4$ $mya$,man-like primates walked in eastern Africa. They were probably not taller than $4$ feet but walked upright.
About $2$ $mya$,$Australopithecines$ probably lived in East African grasslands. Evidence shows they hunted with stone weapons but essentially ate fruit.
Some of the bones discovered were different from $Australopithecines$. This creature was called the first human-like being,the hominid,and was named $Homo$ $habilis$. Their brain capacities were between $650-800$ $cc$.

(N/A) $1$. $Hominid$ features: These refer to the characteristics that are specific to humans or human-like ancestors,such as bipedal locomotion,increased brain capacity,and the use of tools.
$2$. Evolutionary biology: This is the branch of biology that studies the evolutionary processes (such as natural selection,common descent,and speciation) that produced the diversity of life on Earth.

(B) During the evolutionary history of Earth,the Mesozoic era was known as the age of reptiles. However,by the end of the Cretaceous period,most of the giant reptiles (dinosaurs) became extinct. Following their decline,mammals began to diversify and became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates in the Cenozoic era. Therefore,mammals rose to prominence after the decline of reptiles.

(B) About $15$ million years ago,primates called $Dryopithecus$ and $Ramapithecus$ were existing. They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. $Ramapithecus$ was more man-like while $Dryopithecus$ was more ape-like. Therefore,both $A$ and $D$ are correct.

(C) The genus $Dryopithecus$ existed about $15$ million years ago. They were more ape-like in appearance,having large canines and a diet consisting of soft fruits and leaves. In contrast,$Ramapithecus$ was more man-like. Therefore,$Dryopithecus$ is the correct answer.

(D) According to the $NCERT$ textbook,Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus were existing about $15$ million years ago.
Dryopithecus was more ape-like,while Ramapithecus was more man-like.