1. This question may be completed independently or as a group exercise. Biological anthropologists disagree about the best way to classify the robust australopithecines. Describe the two approaches to classifying these species. Which classification do you support

Some researchers classify Australopithecines into gracile australopithecines and robust australopithecines, while others argue that differences are enough strong to classify robust australopithecines in their own genus called 'Paranthropus'. In my opinion, it seems reasonable to obtain more fossil data in order to support this division  

Explanation:

The term Australopithecines comes from the genus Australopithecus, which are the closest known relatives of our genus Homo, and arose around three (3) million years ago. Australopithecines can be classified into two major groups called gracile australopithecines and robust australopithecines. However, robust australopithecines have also been classified in their own genus, Paranthropus, in order to distinguish them from the gracile australopithecines. The major differences between gracile and robust species are associated with facial and cranial features. Paranthropus species had a large sagittal crest, enormous cheek teeth, robust jaws, and strong jaw muscles (suggesting they were herbivores that ate tough food). However, these main features may not be conclusive evidence that supports the separation of Paranthropus in its own clade, thereby in my opinion it should be reasonable to wait until more fossils are found in order ​to correctly classify Paranthropus species as a different group.

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explanation:

a. decomposes use carbon from dead organisms as fuel for cellular respiration, returning carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.