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The human chin: an evolutionary byproduct — Level A1 — a black and white photo of an animal with horns

The human chin: an evolutionary byproductCEFR A1

12 Feb 2026

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Adapted from Bert Gambini-Buffalo, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Simon Hurry, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
67 words
  • Humans have a chin on the lower jaw.
  • Chimpanzees do not have a chin.
  • Neanderthals and Denisovans also had no chin.
  • The chin is unique to Homo sapiens in fossils.
  • A new study looks at why we have a chin.
  • The study says the chin may be an accident.
  • The chin could be a side effect of skull change.
  • Scientists compared skull shapes of apes and humans.

Difficult words

  • chin — the lower front part of the face
  • jaw — the bones that hold the teeth
    lower jaw
  • fossil — an old bone or plant part in rock
    fossils
  • skull — the bones around the head that protect the brain
  • accident — something that happens by chance, not planned
  • compare — to look at two things and find differences
    compared

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you have a chin?
  • Have you ever seen a chimpanzee?
  • Do you think a chin is important?

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