Question

Describe the behavioral shifts displayed by H. erectus.

Answer 1

Homo erectus displayed several behavioral shifts, including an increase in brain size, use of fire and cooked meat, eating of softer foods, decrease in prognathism and tooth/jaw size, and taller stature with longer legs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Homo erectus, an early hominin species, exhibited several behavioral shifts. These include:

1. Increase in brain size: The brain size of H. erectus progressively increased from about 550 cc to 1,250 cc.
2. Use of fire and cooked meat: There is evidence of increased use of fire and consumption of cooked meat at H. erectus sites. This shift in diet would have required H. erectus to obtain more calories than previous hominins.
3. Eating of softer foods: Cooking meat and plants allowed H. erectus to consume softer foods, which resulted in smaller chewing teeth and jaws over time. This shift is also reflected in thicker enamel.
4. Decrease in prognathism and tooth/jaw size: Like H. habilis, H. erectus displayed a gradual decrease in prognathism and had smaller teeth and jaws. This change may have made room for the evolving larger brains.
5. Taller stature and longer legs: H. erectus was taller than previous hominins, with longer legs that allowed them to run great distances and chase prey.