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| Artist rendition of Homo heidelbergensis (Source: Smithsonian) |
In this blog post you will learn about a hominid species known as Homo heidelbergensis. This species existed about 600,000 to 500,000 years ago throughout Africa and Europe, as well as in small pockets of Asia and the Middle East. Despite its initial discovery in 1907 outside of Heidelberg, Germany, where it received its namesake, and the numerous specimens discovered of this species there still remains various unknowns about this species. This post will discuss what is currently known and what remains a mystery about this species.
The exact evolutionary origins of Homo heidelbergensis are unclear. Some scholars believe that it was a descendent of Homo erectus, specifically the African varieties (also known as Homo ergaster), but other scholars believe heidelbergensis is a descendant of Homo antecessor. Because its evolutionary origins are questioned so are its first geographical origins. The earliest specimen of Homo heidelbergensis that has been discovered to date was from Ethiopia, suggesting an African origin, but its presence throughout Europe could mean it originated there and migrated to various other locations.
There is a great deal of morphological variation within the species, which is attributed to sexual dimorphism or geographical and temporal distance among the specimens. There are, however, some similar characteristics. Males averaged in height at 5 foot 9 inches, whereas females were quite shorter at an average of 5 foot and 2 inches. Weights were not too different as males weighed more (average 136 pounds) and females average 112 pounds. They had a cranial capacity of 1100-1400 cc. This is larger than Homo erectus species but smaller than modern humans’ cranial capacities. There was a greater cranial breadth compared to previous species and the presence of an occipital bun. The facial area had large, pronounced brow ridges, which may have been a sexually dimorphic feature; prognathism; large noses; swept back cheek bones; puffy faces due to enlarged frontal and maxillary sinuses; and a lack of a chin. Their teeth were similar in shape and size to Homo neanderthalensis, which makes sense since heidelbergensis is cited as their ancestor, as well as to modern humans and potentially Denisovans. Inner ear morphological traits suggest that this species had a similar level of hearing to that of modern humans.
Homo heidelbergensis developed various early cultural features that are present in subsequent hominid species. They had controlled use of fire, created the Levallois stone tool tradition, were avid hunters and fishers, as well as constructed temporary structures made of stone and wood. They also made use of rock shelters and caves for sheltering purposes. At the site of Sima de los Huesos in Spain is sufficient evidence to support their use of mortuary traditions. Several dozen specimens appear to have been intentionally placed into a pit, along with the potential intentional depositing of geological specimens that may have acted as burial goods. Interestingly enough, this species is also the first to inhabit colder climates despite not necessarily having the physical characteristics that would have benefited them, which are seen among Neanderthals.
As continued collection of new specimens occurs there will hopefully be a clearer understanding about this specific species. Currently, the wealth of information available about Homo heidelbergensis provides us a great deal into their morphological and cultural characteristics, but more information about them only helps us better understand what specifically makes humans unique and how specifically we came to be who and what we are today.
References
Haviland, W. A. (2005). Human Evolution and Prehistory. Toronto: Thomson Nelson.
No Author. (2001). Origins of Humankind: Homo heidelbergensis. Retrieved from PBS: Evolution: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/humans/humankind/m.html
Smithsonian Institution. (2022, July 1). Homo heidelbergensis. Retrieved from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-heidelbergensis
Welker, B. H. (n.d.). The History of Our Tribe: Homini. Open Educational Resource.
4 comments:
The fact that the homo heidelbergensis are among the smaller homo species, but managed to be the first to endure colder climates is amazing. I am interested in learning more about this species evolutionary and geographical origins. It never dawned on me that something as simple as a single migration could throw off all research done.
This blog post was a very interesting one. Homo heidelbergensis came from an unknown place with basically all the tools needed to survive. It seems they were the closes hominids to humans. With their hearing capabilities and larger cranial capacity. I would say they were pretty smart. And I can’t wait to know more about this species.
That's really interesting! Homo heidelbergensis is a fascinating hominid species. It's still a bit of a mystery when it comes to its evolutionary origins and geographic spread. Some believe it descended from Homo erectus or Homo antecessor. The variation in morphology within the species, like the height and weight differences between males and females, is intriguing. And the cranial capacity and facial features also set it apart. It's amazing how much we can learn from studying our ancient ancestors.
I think that the facts It highlights like the uncertainties surrounding its origins and the variation within the species, including differences in height, weight, and cranial capacity.it was also interesting to see that the post also mentions the presence of an occipital bun and the ongoing mysteries about this species.
-Ahmesha Johnson
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