Question

Homo erectus -- One Species or Multiple Species?: Some hypothesize that Homo erectus should be subdivided into multiple species, others support a single species hypothesis with a broad geographic distribution and population variation. There is support for both hypotheses!!! Which hypothesis do you support? and why? What evidence would cause you to shift your support to the other hypothesis? and why? For your answers, paleontological details (geography, diagnostic traits, geologic dates) count!

Answer 1

Home erectus – It is considered to be the bigger and smarter beginning of the lineage of the hominin. According to all the hypothesis and personal consideration, it should be considered as one single species with diversity in terms of geographical locations because the characteristics, physically and genetically, is same. They should be one species because they are similar and the only difference is their difference in terms of adaptability due to diverse geographical location across which they are spread.

According to research the earliest of the humans which were thought to be of multiple species actually same species due to various reasons. One of the strongest reasons is the unearthing of the skull from Dmanisi in Georgia which is around 1.8 million years old. The most complete collection of skulls and jaws were found which led to believing that all human species are one. The facial features are quite similar to modern humans with long face, massive jaw and large teeth along with a small braincase.

With all of this findings, it was believed that instead of considering Africa to be the home of multiple human species, it is more like all humans species are one. It is believed that all home Erectus species are similar but with time have evolved in terms of features and characteristics due to changing of the place and the gradual evolution in an attempt to survive in various geographical location.