Final answer:
Fossil and archaeological evidence such as the anatomical adaptations of longer legs and a broader pelvis, alongside the increased consumption of meat and the use of hunting tools, indicates that Homo erectus was capable of long-distance running.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several pieces of fossil evidence support the idea that Homo erectus was capable of long-distance running. The morphological features of H. erectus such as longer legs and the structure of feet and pelvis suggest adaptation for endurance running. This would have been beneficial for hunting and scavenging over large distances. Further evidence from sites like Zhoukoudian, wherein hearths and charred bones were found, indicate an increased meat-eating diet which supports a lifestyle of active hunting. Moreover, the skeletal remains of H. erectus display characteristics such as longer legs relative to body size and pelvic adaptations, which are conducive to bipedal endurance locomotion.
Studies have shown that bipedalism was nearly as efficient in early Homo species such as H. erectus as it is in modern humans. The transition from short to longer limbs, arched feet, and a broader pelvis all contribute to the ability to run long distances. These physical adaptations, combined with archaeological evidence of hunting strategies and use of tools like spears, build a compelling case for the endurance running capacities of Homo erectus.
Overall, the evidence for long-distance running in H. erectus includes the species' anatomical structure, the dietary shift to greater meat consumption, and the archaeological findings that suggest increased physical activity and hunting strategies.