Step 1: Understanding Cro-Magnons.
Cro-Magnons are considered the closest relatives to modern humans.
They lived around 40,000 years ago and are thought to have shared much of the same physical traits, such as a larger brain, advanced tool-making skills, and symbolic thinking.
Step 2: Comparing other options.
Australopithecus: These early hominids, like "Lucy," were much older and had more primitive features compared to modern humans.
Neanderthals: Neanderthals were similar to modern humans but had a more robust build and distinct cranial features.
Homo erectus: While Homo erectus was an important ancestor, it was not as closely related to modern humans as Cro-Magnons.
Thus, the correct answer is (B) Cro-Magnons.