Australopithecus species evolved during the late ____ epoch.  Holocene   Pleistocene   Anthropocene   Pliocene

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the epochs of interest in relation to the Australopithecus species.
2. Determine the time frames for each epoch mentioned.

Relevant Concepts

• Australopithecus is a genus of hominins that is believed to have evolved in Africa.
• The epochs mentioned are part of the geological time scale:
  • Holocene: Current epoch, started approximately 11,700 years ago.
  • Pleistocene: Lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
  • Anthropocene: Proposed epoch that marks the period of significant human impact on Earth's geology.
  • Pliocene: Lasted from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago.

Analysis and Detail

• Australopithecus is generally believed to have appeared roughly around 4 million years ago, during the Pliocene epoch, and continued into the Pleistocene.
• Therefore, the correct answer to when Australopithecus species evolved would be during the late Pliocene epoch.

Verify and Summarize

Upon reviewing the geological time scale and Australopithecus history, it is clear that these hominins originated in the Pliocene and continued into the Pleistocene.

Final Answer

Australopithecus species evolved during the late Pliocene epoch.