Final answer:
Homo erectus was indeed first known as Pithecanthropus erectus, a name reflecting earlier classifications before the modern Homo erectus terminology was adopted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pithecanthropus erectus is indeed an earlier name for what we now call Homo erectus. The statement that Homo erectus was first known as Pithecanthropus erectus is true. The species Homo erectus emerged around 1.9 million years ago in East Africa before migrating to Eurasia and eventually becoming extinct about 800,000 years ago. It had several advancements over its probable ancestor, Homo habilis, such as a larger brain and more advanced tool-making abilities.