GED Science Practice

What term identifies Homo sapiens, wise humans characterized by a historical development?

1. Homeostasis

2. Homogenize

3. Hereditary

4. Homosapiens

The correct answer is: Homosapiens

The term that identifies Homo sapiens is "Homo sapiens," which translates to "wise human" in Latin. This classification signifies the species to which all modern human beings belong and emphasizes not only our biological characteristics but also our cognitive evolution and capacity for abstract thought, culture, and complex societal structures. The term has two parts: “Homo,” which means "man" or "human," and “sapiens,” meaning "wise" or "discerning." This nomenclature reflects the unique traits that differentiate Homo sapiens from other hominids, particularly our advanced cognitive functions, problem-solving abilities, and the use of complex language. Other terms like homeostasis refer to the self-regulating processes that organisms use to maintain stable internal conditions; homogenize refers to making things uniform or similar, often used in chemistry or food sciences; and hereditary relates to genetic inheritance. These terms do not pertain to the classification of modern humans or their historical development, making them less appropriate in the context of identifying Homo sapiens.