Final answer:
True, Premodern Homo sapiens did indeed occupy and increase their use of caves, creating modified dwellings with advancements in shelter construction. Over time, caves transitioned from shelters to sites of ritual significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regards whether Premodern homo sapiens increased their use of caves compared to previous human species. It is true that premodern Homo sapiens, like Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis, occupied both caves and open-air sites. These early humans not only used natural shelters but also modified them to suit their needs. There is archeological evidence showing that Homo heidelbergensis created modified dwellings with stone foundations that likely had roofs made from thick branches. This demonstrates an increased use of caves and an advancement in creating more complex shelters.
However, it is important to note that during the Upper Paleolithic, the role of caves shifted from being primarily shelters to places of ritual and religious significance. Despite this transition, throughout their history, early humans have shown a clear preference for locations that were defensible and protected from the weather, with evidence suggesting that some populations occupied a single cave for extensive periods.