Final answer:
H. erectus/Ergaster had a diet that differed from earlier hominins in terms of increased calorie intake, the use of fire and cooked meat, and a shift towards a softer diet due to smaller teeth and jaws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diet of H. erectus/Ergaster compared to earlier hominins:
- The increase in brain size in H. erectus led to a greater need for calories, so they likely ate more food than earlier hominins.
- There is evidence that H. erectus used fire and ate cooked meat, which provided additional calories. This may have led to a shift towards a softer diet, resulting in smaller teeth and jaws over time.
- H. erectus had longer legs, indicating the ability to run and chase prey. Their hunting and use of tools gave them access to new food sources.