Final answer:
The earliest evidence of controlled use of fire can be seen in fossils from Indonesia and China, particularly in Homo erectus fossil sites in Zhoukoudian, China. Controlled use of fire was important for warmth, protection against predators, cooking food, and social bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest evidence of controlled use of fire can be seen in fossils from Indonesia and China. One example is the evidence of fire usage by Homo erectus in China around 1.7-2.0 MYA. Ancient hearths, charcoal, and charred animal bones have been found in Zhoukoudian, China, suggesting that Homo erectus was hunting, cooking, and eating meat.
The controlled use of fire was important for several reasons. It provided warmth in cold climates, scared off predators, and made cooking meat easier, which improved its digestibility. Fire also played a crucial social role, allowing early humans to gather around the heat and light, which likely aided in bonding and building social connections vital for survival.