Homo Errectus: A Anthropological Study

Introduction

Anthropology is said to be a study of humanity across time and space i.e how humans adapt to different environments, interact, socialize and behave. Homo erectus is an important focus of the study of humanity (human evolution) primarily because, it is said to be the first species to be found outside Africa and presented many anatomical features that happen to imitate evolution towards the pattern seen in homo sapiens, like brain size and parts of the skeleton below the head. This assignment focuses on Homo erectus by looking at the archeological record to discuss the relationship between biology and tool making and how they both outplay through cultural and cognitive development in the genus homo.

Background history

Homo erectus

Erectus shows extensive brain enlargement, with a cranial capacity between 600 – 1200, which explains it’s apparent intelligence and why it displays so many noticeably human behaviors. (Lubenow, 2004) is more specific with explaining H. Erectus anatomical features and argues that, his arm and leg bones, were more like the same as Homo sapiens in shape and relative proportions, in a nutshell, this strongly supports the view that H. Erectus was equal to us in their ability to work and run bipedally. However, their leg bones were apparently denser than ours. With this being said, we can see that H. Erectus was unlike us, for they did not show human character like, spending much time of their lives sitting behind desks or on a couch watching TV. They were possibly much more active throughout the day seeking food and survival

According to (Cunnane, & Steward, 2010), the first simple language spoken by Homo erectus likely developed around 500 ka. Prior to spoken language Cunnane & Steward suggest that members of the group communicated with one another by grunting or through simple noises and hand gestures. With this being said, we can conclude that spoken language allowed groups to exchange complex thoughts and ideas and pass on their culture from one generation to another to the next. Furthermore, the birth of language enabled groups to discuss plans, teach techniques, and explain how to track animals or where to find water. The knowledge of one generation could now be passed on to the next, building from generation to generation, expanding the human experience. (Lubenow, 2004) in a lesser extent disagrees and argues that according to biological analysis of different areas of the brain it is indicated that H. Erectus was incapable of speech. Additionally examinations of Broca's area (the area responsible for hierarchical organization of grammar and manual manipulation of object) was well-developed, however analyses of Wernick's area (the part of the cerebral cortex responsible for the production and comprehension of meaningful speech) showed uncertain development, making it impossible for H. Erectus to be capable of meaningful communication through speech. This argument showcases two approaches of analyses, with one