Final answer:
Evidence for Homo heidelbergensis' use of fire includes ancient hearths, charcoal, and charred bones, with the oldest continuous fire site dating back 780,000 years.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence of Homo heidelbergensis Using Fire
The evidence that Homo heidelbergensis used fire comes from archeological finds at several of their sites. The most compelling evidence includes ancient hearths, remnants of charcoal, and charred animal bones, which suggest not only the use of fire but also the cooking and consumption of meat. The oldest continuous fire site associated with Homo heidelbergensis is situated in Israel and has been dated to about 780,000 years old. This makes it one of the earliest evidences of hominin fire use, although Homo erectus sites have shown indications of fire use dating back to 1.7-2.0 million years ago, possibly marking them as the first hominins to master fire.
Technological Developments and Cultural Behavior
In addition to fire use, Homo heidelbergensis is noted for their stone tools from the Acheulean industry and the significant technological achievement of hafting, as demonstrated by the wooden spears found in Schoningen, Germany, dated around 400,000 years ago. Their cultural behaviors also include modifying living spaces, as seen in the evidence for modified dwellings found in the Czech Republic, Germany, and France, some of which are approximately 700,000 years old.
Comparison with Other Hominin
Although Homo heidelbergensis showed advanced use of technology and fire, earlier hominins like Homo erectus also exhibited significant evolutionary changes, including increased brain size, decreased prognathism, and development of endurance running abilities. The controlled use of fire and cooking would have provided caloric benefits necessary for these developments.