Final answer:
Homo erectus adapted to different climates through evolutionary changes such as bipedal locomotion and increased brain size, which enabled them to use tools and survive on a nutrient-rich diet. Climate changes and resource scarcity necessitated their migration, allowing them to travel to varied climates and regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo erectus was able to travel to different climates due to a combination of evolutionary adaptations and necessities driven by changing environments. One of the critical adaptations of Homo erectus was the efficient bipedal locomotion, which enabled them to cover long distances. Their physiological adaptations included a broader pelvis, longer legs, and arched feet, comparable to modern humans. Additionally, a significant increase in brain size allowed Homo erectus to develop better hunting and survival skills.
With the onset of the ice age and the colder climate, various hominin species, including Homo erectus, faced environmental challenges that precipitated their movement. They followed game, sought edible plants, and moved to access water sources. These early humans utilized tools and developed cooperative strategies, enabling them to adapt to almost every climate on the planet. Furthermore, the 'expensive tissue hypothesis' suggests that the larger brain of Homo erectus required a diet rich in nutrients, which led to dietary changes, including an increased reliance on cooked meat.
Ultimately, the ability of Homo erectus to travel to different climates was the result of their physical and cognitive evolution, coupled with the necessity to migrate in response to climatic changes, scarcity of resources, and the pursuit of food.