Homo erectus

height of Homo erectus

Varied, 145-185

Limbs of Homo erectus

short and stocky bodies with thicker bones, suggesting demanding lfie style

Brains of Homo erectus

1050 cranial capacity

prominent brow ridges

Teeth of Homo erectus

curve of dental arcade was shorter and more rounded in front

jaw was shorter

indcation of diet similar to humans

reduced size of molars

large thick jaw without a chin

Tool use by homo erectus

Use of fire, building of shelters, sophisticated tools → became more independent of their environment, environment as a selective pressure was diminishing

ACHEULIAN TOOLS: tools were flaked around all edges, in one direction and then in the other, until they formed two faced lumps, in a tear drop shape, used as hand axes

Importance of fire in homo habillis life??

first step towards manipulation of environment to suit human needs

kept predators away, gave warmth and light at night

used to stampede animals

warmth from fire was important for migrating groups moving into Europe and Asiaduring ice ages

allowed cooking → enhanced flavour and digestability, safer by destroying parasites, detoxifying plant foods