Which one of the following is NOT a correct feature of Homo erectus?
(c) they used hides to protect their body and bury their dead.
Analyzing Features of Homo erectus
The question asks to identify the feature that is NOT characteristic of Homo erectus. Let's examine each option based on our understanding of this early human species.
Examining Each Feature Option
- (a) they had large brain around 900 cc.
Homo erectus is known for having a significantly larger brain size compared to earlier hominins like Homo habilis. The cranial capacity of Homo erectus typically ranged from about $750 \text{ cc}$ to $1250 \text{ cc}$, with an average around $900 \text{ cc}$. This increase in brain size is a key evolutionary development seen in Homo erectus. So, this statement is generally considered a correct feature.
- (b) their fossils were discovered in Java in 1891.
This statement refers to the famous discovery made by Eugene Dubois in Java (now Indonesia) in 1891. He found fossils that he named Pithecanthropus erectus, commonly known as the 'Java Man'. These fossils are now classified under the species Homo erectus. This discovery was a landmark in understanding human evolution. Therefore, this statement is a correct historical fact related to Homo erectus.
- (c) they used hides to protect their body and bury their dead.
While it is plausible that Homo erectus might have used animal hides for protection from the elements, especially considering their migration into colder climates, the practice of systematically burying the dead is primarily associated with later hominin species, specifically Homo neanderthalensis and anatomically modern Homo sapiens. There is no strong evidence to suggest that Homo erectus engaged in ritualistic burial practices. Therefore, this statement, particularly the part about burying the dead, is likely NOT a correct feature of Homo erectus.
- (d) they lived about 1.5 million years ago.
Homo erectus was a long-lived species, existing for over a million years. The earliest fossils attributed to Homo erectus date back to around $1.8$ or $1.9$ million years ago in Africa. The species persisted in various parts of the world until much later, possibly as recently as $100,000$ years ago in some regions like Southeast Asia. Living about $1.5$ million years ago falls well within the known time range for Homo erectus. Thus, this statement is a correct feature regarding their existence period.
Identifying the Incorrect Feature of Homo erectus
Based on the analysis, the practice of burying the dead is not a characteristic feature widely attributed to Homo erectus. This behaviour is more reliably linked to Neanderthals and modern humans.
Conclusion
The feature that is NOT a correct characteristic of Homo erectus among the given options is that they used hides to protect their body and bury their dead. While hide usage is possible, burying the dead is not evidenced for this species.
| Feature | Characteristic of Homo erectus? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large brain (around 900 cc) | Yes | Increased cranial capacity compared to earlier hominins. |
| Fossils discovered in Java in 1891 | Yes | Refers to the 'Java Man' discovery by Dubois. |
| Used hides and buried dead | Hides: Possible Buried dead: No evidence |
Burial of dead is associated with later species (Neanderthals, Homo sapiens). |
| Lived about 1.5 million years ago | Yes | Falls within their known existence period ($~1.9$ million to $~100,000$ years ago). |
Revision Table: Key Hominin Features
| Feature | Homo habilis | Homo erectus | Homo neanderthalensis | Homo sapiens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Period (approx.) | $2.4$ to $1.4$ mya | $1.9$ mya to $100,000$ years ago | $400,000$ to $40,000$ years ago | $300,000$ years ago to Present |
| Brain Size (cc) | $550-800$ | $750-1250$ (avg. 900) | $1200-1750$ (avg. 1500) | $1000-1850$ (avg. 1350) |
| Tool Use | Simple stone tools (Oldowan) | More complex tools (Acheulean hand axes), controlled fire use | Sophisticated stone tools (Mousterian), possible symbolic items | Highly varied and complex tools, technology, art |
| Burial of Dead | No evidence | No evidence | Evidence of intentional burial | Widespread intentional burial, rituals |
Additional Information on Homo erectus and Human Evolution
Homo erectus was a pivotal species in human evolution. They were the first hominin to migrate extensively out of Africa, colonizing parts of Asia and possibly Europe. Their success is attributed to several key adaptations:
- Body Shape: They had a body proportion similar to modern humans, adapted for efficient bipedalism over long distances.
- Controlled Use of Fire: Evidence suggests Homo erectus was one of the earliest species to control and use fire. Fire provided warmth, protection from predators, allowed for cooking food (which could have aided digestion and nutrition), and facilitated social gathering.
- Advanced Tool Technology: Homo erectus developed Acheulean tools, characterized by distinctive hand axes, representing a significant advancement over the simpler Oldowan tools used by earlier hominins like Homo habilis.
- Migration: Their ability to leave Africa and adapt to diverse environments demonstrates remarkable resilience and intelligence. Important fossil sites include Java (Indonesia), Zhoukoudian (China), and various locations in Africa.
Understanding the features of Homo erectus helps us trace the path of human development from early ancestors towards modern humans.
Important Questions from Evolution
The adaptive radiation is represented by which of the following?
The finches found on Galapagos Islands were originally:
Who proposed the concept 'saltation' in evolution?
Bone structure of forelimbs of vertebrates like whale, bat, cheetah, and human is evidence of:
How many episodes of mass extinctions of species have occurred on Earth since the origin and diversification of life?
