Question

H. ergaster could have been the first to a. use and control fire. b. migrate out of Africa c. make tools. d. Both a and b are correct. e. a, b, and care correct.

Short answer

d. Both a and b are correct.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluating Option A

H. ergaster is indeed believed by some scientists to have been one of the first hominids to use and control fire. This makes option A a plausible answer.

Evaluating Option B

H. ergaster has been found in African as well as Eurasian fossil records, which suggests that they were among the first hominids to migrate out of Africa. Hence, option B is also a plausible answer.

Evaluating Option C

H. ergaster did use tools, but they were not the first hominids to do so. Tool-making has been attributed to earlier hominids, such as Homo habilis. Therefore, option C is not a correct answer.

Evaluating Option D

Option D states that both A and B are correct. Since we have established that both A and B are plausible answers, option D is indeed a correct answer.

Evaluating Option E

Option E claims that all statements, A, B, and C, are correct. However, as we have determined that statement C is not correct, option E cannot be the right answer. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: d. Both a and b are correct.

Key concepts

Control of Fire

Homo ergaster is considered one of the early hominids that possibly harnessed the use of fire. The ability to control and use fire marked a significant milestone in human evolution. It provided warmth, which was crucial during colder climates and enabled our ancestors to venture into new, less hospitable environments. Additionally, controlled fire offered protection from predators and facilitated cooking food. By cooking, food became easier to digest and more nutrients could be absorbed. This could have led to changes in diet and, as a result, impacted the physical and cognitive development of Homo ergaster. Scientists, while divided on when exactly control of fire occurred, often point to archaeological evidence, like charred bones and heat-altered stones, to support the idea that Homo ergaster may have been the pioneers in utilizing this essential natural element.

Out of Africa Migration

The migration out of Africa is a fascinating chapter in the story of human evolution, with Homo ergaster playing a potential key role. Fossil evidence suggests that Homo ergaster was one of the first hominid species to move beyond the African continent. This expansion is characterized by the discovery of fossils in both Africa and Eurasia. The movement of Homo ergaster out of Africa likely led to the spread of human populations across continents, contributing to the diversity of early human species. While the exact reasons for this migration remain under study, several hypotheses include environmental changes that made Africa less hospitable, following prey or exploring new territories. The geographical spread of Homo ergaster illustrates its adaptability and is a precursor to later migrations by successors of the Homo genus.

Tools and Tool-making

Tools have always been pivotal in the survival and progression of human ancestors. Homo ergaster was proficient in tool usage, with archaeological finds showing that they crafted and used well-developed stone tools. However, it is important to understand that while Homo ergaster used tools, they were not the first to do so. Homo habilis, an earlier ancestor, is credited with being among the first to create stone tools. Homo ergaster, however, refined and possibly improved tool-making techniques. The tools associated with Homo ergaster are often used to highlight their cognitive development, as tool-making requires both planning and dexterity. This aspect of their behavior helped Homo ergaster in hunting, processing food, and adapting to different environments throughout their migrations.