Final answer:
The earliest fossil evidence of Homo erectus in Western Europe dates to about 1.2 million years ago (MYA), with the oldest fossils found in Spain, France, and England. Therefore, the correct answer is b. 1.2 mya.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest fossil evidence of Homo erectus in Western Europe dates to about 1.2 million years ago (MYA). This information is supported by the discovery of Homo antecessor, which has been found in Spain, France, and England and dates to around 1.2 MYA to 800,000 years ago (800 KYA). These specimens represent the oldest fossil evidence for the presence of the genus Homo in Europe and suggest that they could be the ancestors of Homo heidelbergensis. Hence, the correct answer to the student's question is b. 1.2 mya.
Homo erectus is known to have evolved about 1.9 million years ago in East Africa and was one of the first hominins to migrate out of Africa into Eurasia. The species had a widespread distribution, with fossils having been found as far east as Java, Indonesia. However, the presence of Homo erectus in Western Europe is documented around 1.2 million years ago, which is well within the time range that the species is recognized to have existed until its extinction.