Final answer:
Paleoanthropologists use terms like 'Homo heidelbergensis' and 'archaic Homo sapiens' to describe Homo fossils that possess features of both Homo erectus and Homo sapiens, indicating they are intermediate forms dating from 500,000 to 200,000 years ago.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo fossils dating from 500,000 to 200,000 years ago exhibit morphological characteristics that bridge Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. Paleoanthropologists often refer to such finds as representing species such as Homo heidelbergensis, which are thought to be transitional species in the genus Homo that likely evolved from Homo erectus. These species, sometimes called archaic Homo sapiens, appear to be intermediate between Homo erectus and modern humans, possessing a mixture of ancient and modern features. Considering the time range of 500,000 to 200,000 years ago, Homo heidelbergensis is often a central figure in discussions about these intermediate fossils. This species is believed to have given rise to later species including Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) and early modern humans. The discovery of such fossils raises intriguing questions about the origins and migrations of human ancestors, as well as their interactions and interbreeding. Overall, these intermediate fossils showcase the complex evolutionary history of the Homo genus and our species.