HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Homo heidelbergensis is an extinct species of early human that lived between 700,000 and 200,000 years ago. It is considered to be an ancestral form of humans and was believed to have inhabited parts of Africa, Europe, and possibly Asia. The name Homo heidelbergensis is derived from the location where the first evidence of this species was discovered, near Heidelberg in Germany.
This species is known for its robust physical features and larger brain size compared to earlier hominin species. They had a tall stature, with a robust build and thick bones, indicating strength and adaptability. It is believed that Homo heidelbergensis had a larger brain capacity, possibly reaching around 1300 to 1400 cubic centimeters. This increase in brain size suggests an advancement in cognitive abilities, including improved tool-making skills and possibly even the development of language.
Homo heidelbergensis is also closely associated with the controlled use of fire, as evidence of fire usage has been found at some Homo heidelbergensis sites. This suggests that these early humans had the capacity for social behavior, as fire could have been a central element in communal gatherings for cooking, warmth, and protection.
The exact relationship between Homo heidelbergensis and later human species, such as Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, is still debated among scientists. However, it is widely accepted that Homo heidelbergensis is an important transitional species in the evolution of humans and played a significant role in the emergence of modern humans.
Common Misspellings for HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS
- gomo heidelbergensis
- bomo heidelbergensis
- nomo heidelbergensis
- jomo heidelbergensis
- uomo heidelbergensis
- yomo heidelbergensis
- himo heidelbergensis
- hkmo heidelbergensis
- hlmo heidelbergensis
- hpmo heidelbergensis
- h0mo heidelbergensis
- h9mo heidelbergensis
- hono heidelbergensis
- hoko heidelbergensis
- hojo heidelbergensis
- homi heidelbergensis
- homk heidelbergensis
- homl heidelbergensis
- homp heidelbergensis
Etymology of HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS
The word "Homo Heidelbergensis" is derived from Latin and originates from two components:
1. "Homo" - This Latin term means "man" or "humankind". It is widely used in scientific nomenclature to refer to the genus that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives, such as Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Homo neanderthalensis.
2. "Heidelbergensis" - This specific epithet is derived from the name of the town "Heidelberg" in southwestern Germany, where an extinct human species was first discovered in 1907. The species was initially named "Heidelberg Man" or "Heidelbergensis" to honor the locality of the find.
Therefore, the term "Homo Heidelbergensis" refers to a species of early humans that inhabited Europe, Africa, and possibly Asia between approximately 700,000 and 200,000 years ago.
