Homo erectus
Homo erectus is considered one of the most important transitional forms in the evolution of humans. It developed skills that were later decisive for Homo sapiens, e.g. the use of tools and the ability to occupy different habitats outside of Africa. Homo erectus is a prime example of adaptability.
Profile
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Meaning of the name |
The upright human |
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Discovery site |
Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa), Asia (China, Java, Georgia), Europe (Italy, Spain), Middle East (Israel). |
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Age |
1.8 million–110,000 years |
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Height and weight |
1.4–1.8 m, 40–60 kg |
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Brain size |
600–1'100 cm3, on average 900 cm3 |
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Body characteristics |
Massive, low, elongated skull with thick cranial bones, pronounced, straight over-eye bulge and occipital protuberance, massive, slightly protruding face with large nasal opening, no chin, robust build, barrel-shaped ribcage, long legs, short arms. |
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Teeth |
Molars smaller than in Australopithecus and Homo habilis, incisors relatively large. |
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Habitat |
Worldwide distribution: Open savannahs and grasslands, forests and scrublands, river and lake environments, steppes and drylands, tropical rainforests, hilly and mountainous landscapes. |
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Nutrition |
Omnivore - hunted animals and gathered plant food. |
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Tools |
Used simple stone tools (including hand axes from the Acheulean culture) and was the first human species to control fire (e.g. for food preparation, warmth, protection from enemies). |
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Best known find |
"Turkana Boy", also known as KNM-WT 15000, is the almost complete skeleton of a young Homo erectus that was found in 1984 in Nariokotome, near Lake Turkana in Kenya. |
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Significance for evolution |
Homo erectus evolved around 1.8 to 2 million years ago in Africa and then spread across the Middle East to Asia and Europe. |