The case for sinking Homo erectus
Homo erectus is the second species of humankind after Homo habilis that is believed to have the human lineage characteristics. It is the first hominid species that lived in a long range of geographical range and also had along temporal span (Wolpoff, Thorne, Jelinek & Zhang 1994). Homo erectus had adaptive features that made them live that long. It had large feet that enabled it to stand upright hence the word “erect.” The upright posture made them possible to walk and run in such food during hunting and gathering. They were able to run from their enemies or external attacks. The feet also made them lose their ability to grasp and so they were able to have a slight arch or hold on the objects. The hips of Homo erectus changed, and it’s joint moved toward the center of the pelvis and spine to hold its belly was making them have the upright posture. Homo erectus also had a reduced weight because its spine was curved shaped to center the upper part of its body. According to Antón, Potts & Aiello (2014), the limbs and torso made them be adapted to walking on two feet in the open field, savannah grassland environment rather than swinging in the trees. Since it followed Homo habilis that are believed to be the first toolmakers, homo erectus used these stone tools to source their food through hunting and gathering. It is also Abelieved that it was homo erectus that invented fire; this made them eaten cooked food as they could roast and boil their food. The light also acted as a source of security as it scared away other wild animals. The fire also enabled them to warm themselves during cold seasons. Homo erectus had an improved brain in size over the earlier species and had 1050 cubic centimeters that made them think and reason, unlike the previous hominid. It had a broad face with a low sloping forehead and flat nose that enabled them to smell and see food at a long-range. Homo erectus had a large and thick jaw and large molar roots that made them chew food at ease.
References
Wolpoff, M. H., Thorne, A. G., Jelinek, J., & Zhang, Y. (1994). The case for sinking Homo erectus: 100 years of Pithecanthropus is enough. Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, 171, 341-361.
Antón, S. C., Potts, R., & Aiello, L. C. (2014). Evolution of early Homo: An integrated biological perspective. Science, 345(6192), 1236828.