Final answer:
The claim that Venus figurines were created by Homo erectus 1.8 million years ago is false. These figurines date from the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically between 50,000 to 10,000 BCE, and are linked to symbolic or fertility rites.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Venus figurines were made by Homo erectus 1.8 million years ago is false. Venus figurines, which are small sculptures portraying women with exaggerated physical features, have been found in various locations and date between 50,000 to 10,000 BCE. The oldest known Venus figurine is the Venus of Hohle Fels, which is about 40,000 years old. Conversely, Homo erectus, an early species in the genus Homo, evolved about 1.9 million years ago and went extinct around 800,000 years ago. The Venus of Willendorf and other Venus figurines are much younger, associated with the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically between 28,000 and 25,000 BC as with the case of Venus of Willendorf. These figurines are thought to have served a ritual or symbolic function, possibly related to fertility and reproduction.