Question

According to Ian Tattersall, which of the following statements about Homo heidelbergensis is correct?

A) Homo heidelbergensis is considered the direct ancestor of Homo neanderthalensis.
B) Homo heidelbergensis is the first hominin species to use advanced tools.
C) Homo heidelbergensis is primarily associated with the Oldowan tool industry.
D) Homo heidelbergensis is a synonym for Homo erectus.

Answer 1

The correct statement about Homo heidelbergensis according to Ian Tattersall is that it is considered the direct ancestor of Homo neanderthalensis, evolving from Homo erectus and leading to both Homo neanderthalensis and early Homo sapiens.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Ian Tattersall, the correct statement about Homo heidelbergensis is A) Homo heidelbergensis is considered the direct ancestor of Homo neanderthalensis. Homo heidelbergensis is a transitional species within the genus Homo that likely evolved from Homo erectus around 800,000 years ago. This species then gave rise to Homo neanderthalensis and early Homo sapiens roughly 200,000 years ago. While Homo erectus migrated out of Africa and into Asia and Europe, it was modern humans who arose in Africa from Homo erectus. Later modern humans would migrate out of Africa in a second major migration wave, replacing Homo erectus in Asia and Europe.

Homo heidelbergensis was known for its use of advanced tools associated with the Acheulean tool industry, especially their technological achievement of hafting, which is evident in spears found in Schöningen, Germany dated to about 400,000 years ago. These were among the first instances where hominins combined separate elements to create a single tool, indicating advanced cognitive abilities.