Essay On Homo Erectus

1493 Words3 Pages

Sheer Fiol
Mr. Pfister
Biology CP
4/7/14

Homo Erectus

Throughout the long winding road that is human evolution; many species have helped shape who we are today. There was the early Australopithecus africanus which began to walk bipedally-upright with two feet and the Homo habilis which drastically developed the construction of handmade tools. But there is one species who is to be credited for the most critical advancements in human evolution; Homo erectus. Not only did Homo erectus advance us the most biologically, but also the most geographically.

1.9 million years ago, Homo Habilis of East Africa had evolved into an entirely new species known as Homo erectus. Homo erectus directly translates to "Upright man" and for good reason. One of largest anatomical advancements of Homo erectus was their arm and leg bones which were very similar in shape and proportions to that of modern day humans. "Their legs would have made Homo erectus efficient long distance runners like modern humans."(Dennis). Along with their longer more developed legs, Homo erectus's leg were also hairless which allowed them to evaporate sweat and thus be more efficient at not overheating. This advantage allowed Homo erectus to chase down four legged mammals to the point of heat exhaustion and thus drastically increase the efficiency their hunting tactics. Another change in the legs of Homo erectus was their slightly more narrow pelvises. This forced the size of a child’s head to be smaller at birth and undergo most of its development during childhood. (Dennis)

Homo erectus is also known for its larger body compared to earlier ancestors. "Past estimates of Homo erectus stature frequently were in the 5-5 1/2 feet (152-168 cm) range for adult males and arou...

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...d to the switch for calorie and protein rich animal products. Soon followed the creation of the revolutionary element; fire which changed the road of human evolution drastically. Homo erectus could now greatly increase the calories gained from food while also keeping warm and protecting from predators of the night. These campfires also led the some of the earliest forms of social interaction among early humans. Besides campfire interactions, Homo erectus also formed a distinct form of hunting and gathering division of labor which is still evident in parts of the world today. Though it is Homo erectus’s great migration out of Africa that may have been responsible for most important role of human evolution. Which would have led to the dispersion of human ancestors around the globe and the formation of the nationalities that we as humans are so proud of today.

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