Erectus

Erectus

Erectus is a term that can refer to several different subjects, primarily within the fields of anthropology, paleontology, and biology. The most notable use of the term is in reference to the extinct species Homo erectus, an important ancestor of modern humans.

Homo erectus

Homo erectus is an extinct species of hominid that lived throughout most of the Pleistocene geological epoch. The species is believed to have originated in Africa and then spread to Eurasia. Homo erectus is characterized by its upright posture and bipedal locomotion, which is reflected in its name, meaning "upright man" in Latin.

Discovery and Fossil Evidence

The first fossils of Homo erectus were discovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable sites include Java in Indonesia and Zhoukoudian near Beijing, China. These fossils have provided significant insights into the morphology and lifestyle of Homo erectus.

Physical Characteristics

Homo erectus had a larger brain size compared to earlier hominids, with an average cranial capacity of about 900 to 1100 cubic centimeters. They had a robust skeletal structure, with long legs and shorter arms, which suggests they were well-adapted for long-distance walking and running.

Tools and Culture

Homo erectus is associated with the Acheulean stone tool industry, which includes hand axes and other bifacial tools. These tools represent a significant technological advancement over the earlier Oldowan tools used by Homo habilis. There is also evidence to suggest that Homo erectus may have used fire and had some form of social structure.

Other Uses of Erectus

The term "erectus" can also be found in the names of various other species and genera in biology. For example, Erythrina variegata var. erecta is a plant species, and Pithecellobium dulce var. erectum is a variety of the Pithecellobium genus.

See Also

• Homo habilis
• Homo sapiens
• Pleistocene
• Acheulean
• Oldowan
• Zhoukoudian
• Java Man