Human Ancestry - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading Section, you need to focus on mastering in comprehending the English academic texts to ace the TOEFL iBT^® exam. The TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Human Ancestry' would help you become familiar with the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments. Not only it will help you become familiar with the exam structure but also help in improving the required skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. 

Confidence and self-assurance are important to excel the TOEFL Reading Section which you can build by attempting the practice test on 'Human Ancestry'. So, let's start with this journey to ace the Reading Section!

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

The study of human lineage is a complicated field that includes various areas like anthropology, archaeology, and genetics. Understanding where Homo sapiens come from involves looking at fossil records, genetic data, and cultural artifacts that give us proof into the evolutionary journey of our species. The evolutionary history of humans goes back millions of years, with significant events marking the shift from early humans to modern humans. This passage will explore the main developments in human lineage, the proof supporting these findings, and the ongoing debates about our evolutionary history.

The earliest known early humans, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis and Australopithecus afarensis, appeared in Africa about 6 to 4 million years ago. Fossil proof suggests that these early ancestors had both ape-like and human-like traits, showing a gradual move towards walking on two legs. For example, the famous fossil known as "Lucy," from the species Australopithecus afarensis, shows a mix of changes for walking upright and climbing trees. This combination highlights the environmental pressures early humans faced as they navigated different habitats in search of food and safety. The development of walking on two legs is seen as a key moment in human evolution, allowing for greater mobility and the use of tools, which helped in gathering resources.

As early humans evolved, the genus Homo emerged around 2.5 million years ago, marked by a larger brain size and the creation of more advanced tools. Homo habilis, often called "handy man," is one of the earliest members of this genus, known for using simple stone tools. The later species, like Homo erectus, showed further advancements, such as controlling fire and migrating out of Africa. Fossil proof shows that Homo erectus spread across Asia and Europe, adapting to different climates and environments. This migration was a significant expansion of the human range and set the stage for the eventual emergence of modern humans, illustrating the connection between adapting to the environment and technological progress.

The arrival of Homo sapiens, around 300,000 years ago, marked a new chapter in human lineage. Genetic studies have shown that modern humans share a common ancestor with Neanderthals and Denisovans, two closely related species that lived alongside early Homo sapiens. The interactions between these groups are still being researched. Evidence suggests that mixing occurred. This genetic exchange affects our understanding of human diversity, as some traits in todays populations can be traced back to these ancient relatives. The presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern non-African populations highlights the complexity of human lineage and the connections between different early human species, suggesting that our evolutionary story is not a straight line but a web of interactions.

Even with the strong proof supporting the evolutionary story, several questions remain unanswered. For instance, the reasons behind the extinction of Neanderthals and other early human species are still debated among researchers. Some theories suggest that competition for resources, climate change, and the better adaptability of Homo sapiens contributed to their decline. But the exact reasons are still unclear, prompting more investigation into the environmental and social interactions of ancient human populations. Additionally, the role of culture and language in shaping human evolution is an area of active research, as these factors may have given Homo sapiens an edge over other early humans. The connection between biological evolution and cultural development raises interesting questions about what it means to be human.

In the end, the study of human lineage is an evolving field that keeps revealing new insights into our origins. The combination of fossil proof, genetic data, and archaeological findings creates a complicated picture of human evolution, marked by a series of changes and migrations. As researchers use advanced technologies and methods, like ancient DNA analysis and 3D imaging of fossils, our understanding of human lineage will likely become more detailed. The effects of these discoveries go beyond academic interest, influencing current discussions about human identity, diversity, and our place in the broader picture of life on Earth. Ultimately, the journey of Homo sapiens is not just a story of survival but a testament to the intricate connections that link us to our ancient relatives, inviting further exploration into the mysteries that remain.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

The study of human lineage is a complicated field that includes various areas like anthropology, archaeology, and genetics. Understanding where Homo sapiens come from involves looking at fossil records, genetic data, and cultural artifacts that give us proof into the evolutionary journey of our species. The evolutionary history of humans goes back millions of years, with significant events marking the shift from early humans to modern humans. This passage will explore the main developments in human lineage, the proof supporting these findings, and the ongoing debates about our evolutionary history.

1. According to paragraph 1, which of the following fields is NOT mentioned as part of the study of human lineage?     
   1. Anthropology 
   2. Genetics
   3. Sociology
   4. Archaeology 

1. In paragraph 1, the author mentions all of the following as components of human lineage studies EXCEPT: 
   1. Fossil records 
   2. Genetic data
   3. Cultural artifacts 
   4. Historical documents 

Paragraph 2

The earliest known early humans, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis and Australopithecus afarensis, appeared in Africa about 6 to 4 million years ago. Fossil proof suggests that these early ancestors had both ape-like and human-like traits, showing a gradual move towards walking on two legs. For example, the famous fossil known as "Lucy," from the species Australopithecus afarensis, shows a mix of changes for walking upright and climbing trees. This combination highlights the environmental pressures early humans faced as they navigated different habitats in search of food and safety. The development of walking on two legs is seen as a key moment in human evolution, allowing for greater mobility and the use of tools, which helped in gathering resources.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the significance of "Lucy" in understanding human evolution?
   
   1. "Lucy" was the first human to walk upright. 
   2. "Lucy" provides evidence of the transition from tree-dwelling to bipedalism. 
   3. "Lucy" was the only fossil found from Australopithecus afarensis. 
   4. "Lucy" indicates that early humans did not face environmental pressures.

Paragraph 3

As early humans evolved, the genus Homo emerged around 2.5 million years ago, marked by a larger brain size and the creation of more advanced tools. Homo habilis, often called "handy man," is one of the earliest members of this genus, known for using simple stone tools. The later species, like Homo erectus, showed further advancements, such as controlling fire and migrating out of Africa. Fossil proof shows that Homo erectus spread across Asia and Europe, adapting to different climates and environments. This migration was a significant expansion of the human range and set the stage for the eventual emergence of modern humans, illustrating the connection between adapting to the environment and technological progress.

1. Why does the author mention Homo habilis and Homo erectus in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To highlight the differences between early and modern humans.
   2. To illustrate the advancements in tool-making and adaptability in early humans.  
   3. To argue that early humans were not intelligent.
   4. To suggest that migration was not important in human evolution.

Paragraph 4

The arrival of Homo sapiens, around 300,000 years ago, marked a new chapter in human lineage. Genetic studies have shown that modern humans share a common ancestor with Neanderthals and Denisovans, two closely related species that lived alongside early Homo sapiens. The interactions between these groups are still being researched. Evidence suggests that mixing occurred. This genetic exchange affects our understanding of human diversity, as some traits in todays populations can be traced back to these ancient relatives. The presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern non-African populations highlights the complexity of human lineage and the connections between different early human species, suggesting that our evolutionary story is not a straight line but a web of interactions.

1. In paragraph 4, the word "mixing" is closest in meaning to:  
   1. Combining
   2. Separating
   3. Competing
   4. Differentiating 

Paragraphs 5

Even with the strong proof supporting the evolutionary story, several questions remain unanswered. For instance, the reasons behind the extinction of Neanderthals and other early human species are still debated among researchers. Some theories suggest that competition for resources, climate change, and the better adaptability of Homo sapiens contributed to their decline. But the exact reasons are still unclear, prompting more investigation into the environmental and social interactions of ancient human populations. Additionally, the role of culture and language in shaping human evolution is an area of active research, as these factors may have given Homo sapiens an edge over other early humans. The connection between biological evolution and cultural development raises interesting questions about what it means to be human.

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5?

 "Some theories suggest that competition for resources, climate change, and the better adaptability of Homo sapiens contributed to their decline."   

1. 1. Neanderthals became extinct due to various factors, including competition and climate change. 
   2. Neanderthals were unable to adapt to climate change. 
   3. Homo sapiens were the only species to survive. 
   4. Neanderthals faced no competition from other species. 

Paragraphs 6

In the end, the study of human lineage is an evolving field that keeps revealing new insights into our origins. (A) The combination of fossil proof, genetic data, and archaeological findings creates a complicated picture of human evolution, marked by a series of changes and migrations. (B) As researchers use advanced technologies and methods, like ancient DNA analysis and 3D imaging of fossils, our understanding of human lineage will likely become more detailed. (C) The effects of these discoveries go beyond academic interest, influencing current discussions about human identity, diversity, and our place in the broader picture of life on Earth. (D) Ultimately, the journey of Homo sapiens is not just a story of survival but a testament to the intricate connections that link us to our ancient relatives, inviting further exploration into the mysteries that remain.

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

1. The study of human ancestry reveals a complex evolutionary journey marked by significant developments. 
   
   
   1. The emergence of Homo sapiens was a pivotal moment in human evolution.
   2. Fossil records and genetic studies provide evidence of human lineage. 
   3. Cultural factors played no role in the evolution of Homo sapiens. 
   4. The interactions between early human species highlight the complexity of human ancestry. 

1. In paragraph 6, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph shows four letters  (A),  (B),  (C),  (D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

   "These advancements have the potential to reshape our understanding of human history." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D
      

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6? 
   1. To summarise the findings of human ancestry studies. 
   2. To discuss the limitations of current research methods. 
   3. To highlight the importance of cultural factors in human evolution.
   4. To explain how new technologies are enhancing our understanding of human lineage. 

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Human Ancestry

1.  Answer: C

Explanation: Paragraph 1 mentions anthropology, archaeology, and genetics as fields involved in the study of human lineage. Sociology is not mentioned, making it the correct answer as the field that is NOT part of the study.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The author lists fossil records, genetic data, and cultural artifacts as components of human lineage studies. Historical documents are not mentioned in this context, making option D the correct choice.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage describes "Lucy" as a fossil that shows both ape-like and human-like traits, indicating a transition towards walking on two legs. This suggests that "Lucy" is significant in understanding the evolution from tree-dwelling to bipedalism. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of Homo habilis and Homo erectus serves to highlight the technological advancements and adaptability of early humans. This illustrates the evolutionary progress in tool-making and survival strategies.

5. Answer: A

Explanation:  In paragraph 4, "mixing" refers to the genetic exchange between Homo sapiens and other species like Neanderthals and Denisovans. "Combining" captures this meaning best, as it implies the coming together of genetic material.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. This sentence encapsulates the essence of the original text, summarising the various factors contributing to the extinction of Neanderthals without excluding any critical information.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The sentence "These advancements have the potential to reshape our understanding of human history" fits best after Option B, as it relates directly to the advanced technologies and methods mentioned, enhancing the context of how these advancements impact our understanding.

8. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. Paragraph 6 discusses the evolving nature of the study of human lineage and highlights how new technologies, like ancient DNA analysis, are improving our understanding. This aligns with the purpose of explaining the impact of these advancements.

9. Answer: A, B, D

Explanation: Option A is correct as it highlights the emergence of Homo sapiens as a pivotal moment. While Option B acknowledges the role of fossil records and genetic studies in providing evidence, Option D reflects the complexity of interactions between early human species. On the contrary, Option C is incorrect because the passage does not state that cultural factors played no role; rather, it suggests they may have influenced evolution.

Awesome work! Why stop here when you can access various different resources to boost your confidence!

Click on the next practice test and start your journey to success!

Also Check:

• Urbanisation and Its Challenges - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answers
• The History of Astronomy - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answers
• Is a Vegetarian Diet Healthier for the Environment and Humans - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Is Prison Reform Necessary for Criminal Justice - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test