Homo Erectus
Homo Erectus, otherwise known as the "Upright Man", lived about 1.8 million-200,000 BCE. The "Upright Man" was taller and stronger than the other Hominid Species that had come before it. Homo Erectus was the first to 'create' fire. This was a very important part of the human development and one of the main things that makes Homo Erectus its own species of hominid. They used the fire to keep warm, make light, and to cook some foods. This form of early people hunted and ate more meat than the previous hominids. The "Upright Man" also made shelter in caves to keep away from bad weather and predators. Archaeologists and scientists also think that Homo Erectus may have begun to create dome-shaped houses when there was no natural shelter available. Homo Erectus also began to make simple clothes to stay warm. Scientists believe that they were the first to migrate out of Africa, another very important detail.
Fun facts
- Homo Erectus were able to adapt a bit easier with larger brains. Bones from Homo Erectus have been found in plains, grasslands, and forests.
- A 1.77 million year old skull of a man was found in Georgia. The elderly man had already lost many teeth before his death, and scientists think this is one of the first signs of a community caring for each other.
- Homo Erectus had stronger bones than other hominid species and did not have as many adaptations in their body to swing from trees.