ANTH102 Lecture10

Summary

This lecture delves into the evolution of Homo erectus, a significant hominin species that emerged around 1.8 million years ago during the Pleistocene epoch. With larger brains and distinct anatomical features, Homo erectus was the first to migrate out of Africa, spreading to Europe and Asia. They are credited with developing Acheulian tools, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities. The lecture also touches on the species' adaptation to diverse environments and their potential coexistence with Homo sapiens.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The lecture discusses the evolution and cultural achievements of Homo erectus, a species that lived approximately 1.8 million to 200,000 years ago.
• ❄️ The Pleistocene epoch, an Ice Age period from 1.8 million years ago to 10,000 years ago, influenced the development of Homo erectus and other hominins.
• 🧠 Homo erectus had a significant increase in brain size, with cranial capacities ranging from 700 to 1,250 cubic centimeters, averaging 900 cubic centimeters.
• 🏞️ This species was the first to expand out of Africa, inhabiting regions of Europe and Asia, indicating a migratory range that spread rapidly.
• 🔥 Homo erectus is credited with the invention or development of new tool types and the earliest evidence for controlled use of fire.
• 🛠️ Acheulian tools, more sophisticated than Oldowan, are associated with Homo erectus and include hand axes with a cutting edge all the way around.
• 🗺️ Fossils of Homo erectus have been found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, with notable sites including Dmanisi, Java, and Zhoukoudian.
• 🏃‍♂️ The ability to adapt to diverse environments during the Pleistocene, including cold climates, is attributed to the larger brains and use of fire by Homo erectus.
• 🦷 The appearance of shovel-shaped incisors, a trait still found in some human populations today, first emerged with Homo erectus.
• 🏺 The Zhoukoudian site in China is significant for Homo erectus studies, but many fossils were lost during the 1930s due to the Japanese invasion.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Pleistocene epoch in human evolution?

The Pleistocene epoch, an Ice Age that lasted from 1.8 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago, caused major climate fluctuations and the appearance of different environmental niches, which led to the coexistence of various hominins like Paranthropus boisei, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus in Africa.

What are the key cultural achievements attributed to Homo erectus?

Homo erectus is attributed with three key cultural achievements: leaving Africa and expanding into new regions of the Old World, the controlled use of fire, and the development of improved tool technologies, particularly the Acheulian tool tradition.

What are the average cranial capacity and body size of Homo erectus?

Homo erectus had an increased brain size with cranial capacities ranging between 700 and 1,250 cubic centimeters, averaging 900 cubic centimeters. They also had an increased body size, with an average height of 5 foot 6 inches and weighed over 100 pounds each.

What is a nuchal torus and why did Homo erectus have one?

A nuchal torus is a thickened ridge of bone at the back of the cranium, which served as a muscle attachment point for powerful neck muscles. Homo erectus had a very thick nuchal torus due to the heavy front of the face, which required strong muscles to hold the head upright.

How did the brain size of Homo erectus compare to earlier hominins?

Homo erectus showed a significant increase in brain size compared to earlier hominins, with cranial capacities ranging up to 1,250 cubic centimeters, indicating more cognitive capabilities.

What is the significance of the discovery of Homo erectus fossils in Dmanisi, Georgia?

The discovery of Homo erectus fossils in Dmanisi, Georgia, is significant because it shows that Homo erectus had a wide migratory range, spreading from Africa to Eurasia as early as 1.75 million years ago.

What are the characteristics of Acheulian tools, and how do they differ from Oldowan tools?

Acheulian tools are more sophisticated than Oldowan tools, characterized by a teardrop shape or hand axe form with a cutting edge all the way around. They require more planning and skill to make, reflecting the increased cognitive abilities of Homo erectus.

What is the oldest evidence of Homo erectus, and where was it found?

The oldest evidence of Homo erectus dates from about 1.8 million years ago and was found in Kenya, East Africa.

What is the significance of the Nariokotome boy in understanding Homo erectus?

The Nariokotome boy, found in Kenya and dated to about 1.6 million years ago, is significant because it is one of the most complete Homo erectus specimens ever found, providing valuable insights into the species' physical characteristics and development.

What happened to the Homo erectus crania that were excavated from the Zhoukoudian site in China?

The Homo erectus crania from the Zhoukoudian site were lost during the 1930s when they were being transported out of China due to the impending Japanese invasion. Their current location remains unknown, with various theories suggesting they may have been stolen, sunk, or misplaced during the evacuation.