Final answer:
The Turkana Boy provided insight into Homo erectus, showing close physical and behavioral similarities to modern humans, including stature, cranial features, and evidence of advanced social behaviors such as tool use and cooperative living.
Step-by-step explanation:
The analysis of the Turkana Boy, or the Nariokotome Boy, provided valuable insights into the Homo erectus species. This Homo ergaster specimen, often classified as an early form of Homo erectus, was discovered near Lake Turkana in Kenya and is dated to approximately 1.6 million years ago. The analysis revealed that the boy stood about 5 feet 4 inches tall at the age of around 12, with an estimated adult height of 5 feet 10 inches and a cranial capacity of about 900 cc.
He showed close similarities with modern humans, such as reduced prognathism and adaptation for efficient bipedal locomotion. His dentition and postcranial features were also comparable to those of modern humans. It has been suggested that Homo erectus had a range of modern human behaviors including the use of fire, construction of shelters, a social structure that might have involved cooperative hunting and caring for the sick or elderly, as well as a possible capacity for vocal communication to support these activities.