Origin of the Name

The page delves into the etymology and significance of the name Homo erectus.

Definition: Homo erectus translates to "upright man" in Latin.

The name is derived from two Latin words:

• Homo, meaning "man" or "human"
• Erigere, meaning "to make upright"

Highlight: Homo erectus earned this name as it was the first human species to consistently walk upright, marking a significant evolutionary milestone.

Discovery Sites

This page details the significant discovery locations of Homo erectus remains. These findings have been crucial in understanding the species' distribution and characteristics.

Example: One of the most notable discoveries was the "Turkana Boy," a nearly complete skeleton of a 13-year-old male found in Kenya.

Key discovery sites include:

• Skull fragments found in the Ngandong River Valley in Central Java
• Skeletons of men, women, and children discovered in China
• The well-preserved "Turkana Boy" skeleton unearthed in Kenya

These diverse locations highlight the wide geographical spread of Homo erectus.

Significance of Homo Erectus

The name Homo erectus holds great importance in the study of human evolution. This page introduces the concept of Homo erectus and its significance.

Definition: Homo erectus means "upright man" in Latin, derived from homo (man) and erigere (to make upright).

Highlight: Homo erectus was the first human species to walk fully upright, marking a crucial step in human evolution.