Final answer:
Bernard Wood proposed the name Homo ergaster for African human ancestor remains, while reserving Homo erectus for Asian fossils. This distinction is part of a debate in paleoanthropology on how to classify early human species, as they showcase both regional differences and similarities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bernard Wood, a noted paleoanthropologist, has suggested that the term Homo ergaster should be used for African remains previously attributed to Homo erectus, arguing that Homo erectus should be reserved solely for Asian material. This distinction is significant in the field of paleoanthropology, where the classification of early human ancestors remains subject to debate. Homo ergaster is often considered the African counterpart to Homo erectus, with the former having appeared in Africa approximately two million years ago. It's believed that Homo ergaster gave rise to Homo erectus, which then dispersed out of Africa and into Asia. These two species share many similarities but also showcase certain regional anatomical differences, fueling the discussion on whether they should be separated into distinct species or considered a single species with geographical variation.