Cro magnans are about. 180cm in height. with skull rounded forhead distinct chin,narrow nose, thin eyebrow ridges and cranial capacity was about 1600 cc which is more likely to the present man

Nearest and Direct Prehistoric Ancestor of Present Man (Homo sapiens)

The correct answer is option 'D', Cro-magnon man. Cro-magnon man is considered to be the most recent, or nearest, and direct prehistoric ancestor of present-day humans, Homo sapiens. Cro-magnon man refers to a population of early modern humans who lived in Europe approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. Let's explore the reasons behind this conclusion:

1. Appearance and Anatomy:
Cro-magnon man had a similar skeletal structure and physical appearance to modern humans. They had a high forehead, small brow ridges, a prominent chin, and a vertical forehead. They also had a similar limb proportions and body size.

2. Brain Capacity:
The brain capacity of Cro-magnon man was comparable to that of modern humans, which indicates a level of cognitive development similar to ours.

3. Tool Usage and Cultural Development:
Cro-magnon man is known for their advanced tool-making skills and artistic expressions. They created sophisticated tools, including blades, scrapers, and spear points. They also produced cave paintings and sculptures, indicating a high level of cultural and artistic development.

4. Burial Practices:
Cro-magnon man buried their dead with rituals and grave goods, which suggests a belief in an afterlife or a spiritual dimension. This indicates complex social and cultural behaviors similar to modern humans.

5. Genetic Evidence:
Genetic studies have shown that Cro-magnon man shares a significant amount of DNA with modern humans. These studies support the idea that Cro-magnon man is a direct ancestor of present-day Homo sapiens.

6. Geographical and Temporal Proximity:
Cro-magnon man lived in Europe, which is geographically close to the regions where modern humans first appeared. They also existed relatively recently, with their presence overlapping with the emergence of Homo sapiens.

Overall, the combination of anatomical, cultural, genetic, and geographical factors supports the conclusion that Cro-magnon man is the most recent, or nearest, and direct prehistoric ancestor of present-day humans. Their similarities in appearance, brain capacity, tool usage, cultural development, burial practices, and genetic connection make them the closest known relatives to Homo sapiens.