Question

Compared to earlier hominids the increased body size in Homo erectus is likely due to:

a. stone-tool use that facilitated root and tuber processing.
b. increased protein in the diet.
c. larger teeth that permitted better food processing.
d. none of the above.

Answer 1

The increased body size in Homo erectus is likely attributed to increased protein in the diet, supported by evidence of cooked meat consumption and the use of fire, along with evolutionary changes for hunting and longer distance running.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increased body size in Homo erectus is likely attributed to an increased protein in their diet. The adoption of fire for cooking and the evidence of eating cooked meat at Homo erectus sites supports the idea that a diet richer in protein contributed to their larger body size.

This dietary incorporation necessitated a higher caloric intake, estimated to be about 35 percent more than their predecessors. Cooking meat made it softer to eat which led to the decrease in tooth and jaw size and permitted room for a larger brain. Furthermore, the ability to run long distances and chase prey became significant characteristics of Homo erectus.