Homo erectus was a first mover in all fields

More than two million years ago, a new human species evolved that was completely different in body and soul from its predecessors: Homo erectus.
The successful human species was the first to migrate from Africa to Europe and Asia and is considered a direct ancestor of Homo heidelbergensis, from which we and the Neanderthals descended.
With its slender body, short arms, and long legs, Homo erectus had the same physical dimensions as we do, so if we travelled back in time and lent Homo erectus a size medium suit, it would probably fit perfectly.
However, we would not see a complete mirror image of ourselves. Homo erectus had a smaller skull than ours, prominent brow ridges, and a receding chin. But even though its brain was smaller, the species was responsible for many of the unique mental abilities we associate with being human.
Learn why scientists credit Homo erectus with five evolutionary leaps that laid the foundation for our own success.
Jens E. Matthiesen