Which of the following are characteristics of Homo sapiens? Select the three correct answers.

A.
first to bury their dead

B.
had larger brains than their predecessors

C.
used complex language

D.
was the first to use stone tools

E.
had strong jaws and teeth for tearing meat

F.
cooperated in hunting and in building shelter

To determine the characteristics of Homo sapiens, we can analyze each option:

A. First to bury their dead: This characteristic is indeed true for Homo sapiens. They were the first known species to engage in burial practices.

B. Had larger brains than their predecessors: This characteristic is also true for Homo sapiens. Compared to their predecessors, Homo sapiens had larger brains, which played a crucial role in their cognitive abilities.

C. Used complex language: This characteristic is true for Homo sapiens. They developed complex language abilities, allowing for communication and the exchange of ideas.

D. Was the first to use stone tools: This characteristic is not true for Homo sapiens. While stone tools were used by early human ancestors such as Homo habilis and erectus, Homo sapiens refined and improved upon these tools.

E. Had strong jaws and teeth for tearing meat: This characteristic is not unique to Homo sapiens. It is more applicable to earlier hominin species such as Australopithecus and Homo habilis, who had strong jaws and teeth for a diet that included meat.

F. Cooperated in hunting and building shelter: This characteristic is true for Homo sapiens. They engaged in cooperative activities such as hunting and building shelters, which furthered their chances of survival.

Based on the above analysis, the three correct characteristics of Homo sapiens are:

A. First to bury their dead
B. Had larger brains than their predecessors
C. Used complex language