Final answer:
Homo erectus was similar in height to modern humans, utilized advanced stone tools, controlled fire, and likely had vocal communication abilities. They cared for their sick and elderly and were fully bipedal with larger brains compared to earlier hominins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Describing the traits and behaviors that define Homo erectus, they were notably similar in stature to modern humans, often exceeding six feet in height. Their stone tools were advanced for their time, and they utilized fire for cooking and warmth, which suggests they had some control over their environment. The structure of their larynx indicates that they could have had the ability to communicate vocally, beneficial for their cooperative nature, particularly in hunting and foraging. Additionally, archaeological findings imply that they were capable of caring for the sick and elderly. Homo erectus skulls featured a prominent brow ridge and a noticeable sagittal keel. They had larger brains than their predecessors, estimated between 1,000 to 1,200 cubic centimeters. Moreover, they were fully adapted to bipedal locomotion with a broader pelvis, longer legs, and arched feet, but they still had larger jaws and teeth compared to modern humans.
This species also displayed a degree of sexual dimorphism closer to that of humans and could be considered highly adaptable, helping to explain their long-term survival spanning nearly 2 million years. The presence of individuals with debilitating diseases surviving to an old age indicates they lived in caring social groups. Fossils distributed across multiple continents affirm that Homo erectus was the first hominin to migrate out of Africa, having reached areas like Java, Indonesia, and contributed to the evolution of later species such as Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis. Overall, the behavioral and physiological attributes of Homo erectus portray a species on a definitive path towards modern humanlike characteristics.