Final answer:
The abilities of Homo erectus to walk upright, control fire, and build shelters enabled them to thrive in various environments and climates. Their adaptability and complex social behaviors were key factors in their survival and eventual migration out of Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Did the Abilities of Homo erectus Aid Their Survival?
Homo erectus is known as the first hominin to walk upright and was the predecessor of modern humans, having emerged around 1.8 million years ago in East Africa. This species' ability to move efficiently on two legs freed their hands for using tools and manipulating the environment. With bodies similar in size to modern humans and brains that were developing rapidly, they were set apart from their predecessors. Their taller stature and longer legs facilitated endurance running, which was likely used in persistent hunting—a form of hunting where hunters use a combination of running and tracking to exhaust prey over long distances.
One of the most significant advancements of Homo erectus was their ability to control and use fire. The control of fire allowed them to cook food, which not only made food easier to digest but also supported brain growth by providing additional calories and nutrients. Fire also provided warmth in colder climates and protection from predators, enhancing their ability to survive in diverse environments.
The construction of build shelters represents another major evolutionary step for Homo erectus. These shelters, possibly made of wood and fur, offered protection from the elements and predators, and facilitated social interactions and the care of the sick and elderly, further underscoring their social complexity and cooperation. The shelters were likely crucial in enabling Homo erectus to adapt to a range of climates and environments and helped to facilitate their migration out of Africa to other continents.
In summary, the abilities of Homo erectus to move places, use fire, and build shelters were vital contributors to their adaptability and survival across various climates, leading to their long-term success over hundreds of thousands of years.