Question

Describe the anatomical, cultural and environmental reasons that allowed Homo erectus to be the first human/hominid to leave Africa nearly 2mya

Answer 1

Homo erectus is the ancestral species for Homo sapiens, and had several features in proportionate to the modern humans. Various anatomical, cultural and environmental factors created conditions for their migration nearly 2mya. The factors are discussed below.

Anatomical factor: Homo erectus had a well-developed body design and increased brain size which allowed long-distance migration. The body structure involved longer legs, erect body posture, and more muscle mass. These factors facilitated walking for long distances.The brain size increased to about 900 cc, which helped to increase the reasoning and analytical skills.

Cultural factor: Due to increased brain size, Homo erectus could develop new tools for hunting and gathering food. They possibly used fire, which provided protection from cold climates into which they were migrating plus fire helped to shield them from predatory animals. Apart from this, fire could be used to cook food, which meant that a variety of new items could be used as food.

Environmental factor: Change in climate led to a shrinkage of forests, and depletion of resources. This drove Homo erectus out of the native place in serach of new resources.