erectus

Homo erectus, meaning "upright man," is an extinct hominin species widely regarded as one of the earliest members of the genus Homo to possess a body plan similar to modern humans and to spread beyond Africa. Most researchers place its first appearance at about 1.9 million years ago, with populations persisting until roughly 110,000 years ago, though the chronology varies by region.

The taxonomy of H. erectus is debated. Some classifications treat African and Asian fossils as a single species, while others divide African remains as Homo ergaster. If treated as a single species, erectus shows geographic variation but shares a characteristic robust cranial and postcranial anatomy: a thick skull with prominent brow ridges, a relatively low forehead, and a robust skeleton suited to long-distance walking. Brain size ranges roughly from 600 to 1100 cubic centimeters, with averages around 900 cc.

Distribution and key fossils: Africa yields early forms such as Turkana Boy from Kenya, dating to about 1.6 million years ago. In Asia, fossils such as Java Man and later Chinese finds are associated with H. erectus. Europe has fragmentary remains attributed to later stages in some classifications, though these attributions are debated.

Archaeology and behavior: Stone tool assemblages associated with H. erectus include Acheulean hand axes, indicating advanced planning and coordination. Evidence for controlled fire use is debated and varies by site, with some claims suggesting early use while others remain unconclusive.

Significance: H. erectus is a major transitional form in human evolution, exemplifying a widespread geographic range, a body plan close to that of modern humans, and a long temporal presence that bridges earlier hominins and later Homo species in various regions.