Human Family Tree Assignment: Homo Erectus
Homo Erectus existed between 1.89 million and 110,00 years ago. They lived in
Northern, Eastern, and Southern Africa; Western Asia, specifically in Damanisi, Republic of
Georgia, as well as in East Asia ( China and Indonesia). It happens to be that they are the oldest
known early humans. They had modern human-like proportions, like extended legs and short
arms compared to their torso. The two forms of these fossils, Java (the 1890s) and China
(1920s), contain the typical examples of this species. Also, they are often associated with the
earliest stone tools technology, also known as, handaxe. Another discovery they found was from
a microscopic study of their teeth. They found evidence that these species cared for the old and
weak individuals among them. In addition, they are deemed to be the first species to reach past
Africa.
What appealed to me about this kind of species; First, is their facial features. Aside from
all of the species I saw in the lecture notes, they look somewhat very similar to our features.
Secondly is how they survived. They had tall bodies and large brains, therefore, they were
required a massive amount of energy on daily basis in order for them to function regularly. Their
diet of consuming meat and other proteins made it easier for their body to absorb nutrition and
release energy in a shorter amount of time. Plus, they are thoughts that honey was a significant
part of their diets.
Knowing about this species and how old it is and what it is capable of makes me think of
how fascinating humans can be. How humans can use limited sources and make tools and other
things to our benefit. How the brains function when put in survival mode, they survived by using
their ability to build handaxes, making campfires whether for food or protecting them from
predators. Moreover, I think that the world would be simpler if they still existed. These species
coexisted with other different species. This is something we lack as humans living in this time. It