Homo erectus | Why Did the Most Successful Early Human Go Extinct?
History Hit・27 minutes read
Homo erectus, the oldest human species, had a modern human-like body plan and likely originated in Africa, living in social groups for hunting and defense. They had larger brains, migrated out of Africa, and evolved into Homo Heidelbergensis, with debates on fire-making, language evolution, and the presence of art among them.
Insights
- Homo erectus, the oldest known human species, had a brain size of 900-1000 cubic centimeters and a modern human-like body plan, indicating adaptability and success as a species.
- The migration of Homo erectus out of Africa, evidenced by early findings in Indonesia and China, suggests rapid dispersal and potential evolutionary pathways leading to successors like Homo Heidelbergensis.
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Recent questions
How old is the oldest known human species?
Two million years
Where did Homo erectus likely originate?
Africa
What is the brain size of Homo erectus?
900-1000 cubic centimeters
What is the debate surrounding the evolution of language in Homo erectus?
Controversial
What is the diet of Homo erectus?
Hunters and meat eaters
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Summary
00:00
"Evolution of Homo erectus and migration"
- Homo erectus is the oldest known human species, with the oldest specimen dating back to about two million years in South Africa.
- Homo sapiens have been around for 60-70,000 years, with fully modern humans appearing around 200,000 years ago.
- Homo erectus is considered a game changer due to its modern human-like body plan, including limb proportions and torso structure.
- Homo erectus likely originated in Africa, specifically in East Africa on open savannas and in South Africa on the veld.
- Homo erectus lived in social groups, cooperating for hunting, resource gathering, and defense, with group sizes estimated around 25-30 individuals.
- Homo habilis was previously considered the ancestor of Homo erectus, but now it's believed they lived concurrently in similar landscapes.
- Homo erectus had a brain size of 900-1000 cubic centimeters, with the first modern human-like body plan and a nose similar to ours.
- The pelvic girdle of Homo erectus indicates they were bipedal runners, able to move similarly to modern humans.
- Homo erectus likely migrated out of Africa, with early examples found in Indonesia and China, suggesting a rapid dispersal.
- Homo erectus's larger brain size allowed for greater adaptability, problem-solving, and flexibility, contributing to their success as a species.
16:03
Evolution and Tools of Early Humans
- Different types of tools are discussed, including Cleavers from Africa and Europe, with varying shapes and uses.
- Cleavers from Europe have a cutting edge all around, suitable for cutting into animal bellies and defleshing.
- The debate on fire-making by Homo erectus is explored, with challenges in distinguishing deliberately made fires from natural occurrences.
- Homo Heidelbergensis, a successor to Homo erectus, is believed to be a fire maker with a larger brain size.
- The evolution of language in Homo erectus is debated, with mentions of Broca's area and its association with language.
- Differences in vertebrae structure between Homo erectus and modern humans impact the ability to produce sound and breathe simultaneously.
- The presence of art among Homo erectus is contentious, with some claiming small figurines as evidence.
- The diet of Homo erectus is discussed, emphasizing their role as hunters and meat eaters.
- Homo erectus is believed to have evolved into Homo Heidelbergensis, possibly due to better social and hunting abilities.
- Homo floresiensis, found on the island of Flores, is smaller in brain size and possibly a result of Homo erectus becoming isolated on islands.
