Final answer:
The footprints of Homo erectus/Homo ergaster indicate they had a modern striding gait and human-like feet, implying they walked bipedally and efficiently. Homo erectus and Homo ergaster showed human-like features in locomotion, diet, and hunting that align with these footprints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The footprints of Homo erectus or Homo ergaster indicate that these early human ancestors had a mode of bipedal locomotion that was nearly as efficient as that of modern humans. Their footprints suggest a human-like foot structure with arches and ankles, a modern striding gait, and the ability to walk on two legs. Evidence also suggests that by about 2.8 million years ago, their pelvis, legs, and feet had evolved, allowing them to engage in bipedal walking efficiently.
Homo erectus, appearing around 1.8 million years ago, is well-known for several human-like features, including longer legs and evidence of being effective hunters, which would have facilitated running great distances and chasing prey. Furthermore, this hominin species shows a reduction in jaw and tooth size over time, possibly related to an increased use of fire for cooking meat, leading to the consumption of softer foods.
Homo ergaster, which existed around the same time period, demonstrated physical characteristics more akin to modern humans, suggesting that the footprints could also have been made by members of this species.