Final answer:
Homo erectus adapted anatomically to hunting and meat-eating with increases in brain size, improvements in bipedal locomotion, and changes in dental structure, aided by the use of fire and advanced tool-making. This facilitated a dietary shift towards cooked meat, providing the necessary energy and nutrients for their survival and evolutionary success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anatomical changes in Homo erectus correlated with hunting, meat eating, and the use of fire include an increase in brain size, change in dental structure, and the adaptation of bipedalism for long-distance running. Evidence for meat-eating in H. erectus comes from sites such as Zhoukoudian, China, where charred animal bones were discovered, indicating cooking and consumption of meat. The use of fire by H. erectus dates back to around 1.7-2.0 million years ago, as shown by remnants of ancient hearths and charcoals. These adaptations are thought to have contributed to their long-term success as a species.
Physiological changes such as smaller jaws and teeth, reduced prognathism, and taller stature with longer legs provided H. erectus with the necessary adaptations for these new behaviors. Hunting strategies likely involved endurance running, as indicated by their longer legs and the fossil evidence that supports it. The shift towards greater meat consumption required enhanced tools, leading to the development of the Oldowan and Acheulean tool industries.