Difference Between Homoerectus and Homosapien

Key Difference – Homoerectus vs Homosapien
 

The numbers of Homo types are categorized broadly under the archaic human group which was originated in the period beginning 500,000 years ago. Typically, this group consists of Homo neanderthalensis (250,000 years ago), Homo rhodesiensis (300,000 years ago), Homo heidelbergensis (600,000 years ago) and Homo antecessor (1200, 000 years ago). This archaic human group is completely contrasting to the modern humans based on anatomic traits. The Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo sapiens idaltu are categorized under modern humans. According to “Toba catastrophe theory” the modern humans were originated after 70000 years ago. Recent genetic studies have suggested that the modern humans were evolved from at least two ancient human varieties such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. Theoretically, the modern humans have evolved from archaic humans who in turn evolved from Homo erectus. The key difference between Homo Erectus and Homo sapien is, Homo erectus had a smaller brain and was less intelligent, whereas Homo sapien had a larger brain and was more intelligent.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Who is Homo Erectus
3. Who is Homo Sapiens
4. Similarities Between Homoerectus and Homosapien
5. Side by Side Comparison – Homoerectus vs Homosapien in Tabular Form
6. Summary

Who is Homo Erectus?

The Homo Erectus is also called “upright man”. They are distinguished from modern humans and archaic humans groups. It was widely believed that the population similar to Homo erectus was ancestors to modern living human beings “Homo sapiens”. The Homo Erectus thought to have evolved in Africa 1.8 million years ago. They first migrated to Asia and then to Europe. It is suggested, this species became extinct 0.5 million years ago. This timing factor places Homoerectus between Homo habilis and modern appearance of Homo sapiens. The migration of Homo Erectus to Asia and Europe appeared to have 1 million years ago.

Recently the lower jaw of an individual of Homo erectus was found from Georgia. And it was dated back to 1.6 million years ago. They were the first appearance of hominids outside Africa. Also, Homoerectus was the first to incorporate systemic hunting in their lifestyle. They were the first to have an extended childhood. Homoerectus had tool making capability and capability of using fire. And also they were capable of more complex lifestyles. Their brain size and body size was bigger compared to Homo habilis. The brain size was 850-1100 cc. The body size of a male was 1.8 meters and 1.55 meters in females.

The Homo Erectus used stone tools such as hand axe. They had long and low cranium. Homoerectus also had a short and wide face with projected nasal aperture forward. The pronounced brow ridges were also prominent in this group. The most striking behavioral feature of this group is the reduction of body size dimorphism between sexes.

Who is Homo Sapiens?

Due to a dramatic climate change, the Homo sapiens have evolved 200,000 years ago in Africa. Their behaviors have evolved over the years and made them successfully face the challenges in the unstable environment. Compared to the earlier humans, the modern humans possessed a lighter build skeleton. The modern humans have a short femoral neck attached to a larger head. Their brain size is much larger and it is around 1200 cc. The subspecies Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo sapiens idaltu are included in this group. The Homo sapiens idaltu is the subspecies of Homo sapiens that are found in 1997 Herto Bouri in Ethiopia.

Homo sapiens are the first to depict the modern speech. A thin walled high vaulted skull with a flat and near vertical forehead is a striking feature of the modern man. And the modern human faces also show less heavy brow ridges and prognathism. And also, their jaws are less heavily developed with smaller teeth. According to the evolutionary relationship, it is still unknown the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens. Many paleoanthropologists think that it can be Homo heidelbergensis or some other.

What are the Similarities Between Homoerectus and Homosapien?

• Both have the ancestral relationship.
• Both have originated from the African continent.
• Both have used to the complex lifestyle.
• Both have had an extended childhood and both have hunted.
• Both have had the capability of making tools and using fire.

What is the Difference Between Homoerectus and Homosapien?

Summary – Homoerectus vs Homosapien

Homo neanderthalensis, Homo rhodesiensis, Homo heidelbergensis and Homo antecessor are the archaic humans. This archaic human group is completely contrasted to the modern humans based on anatomic traits. The Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo sapiens idaltu are categorized under modern humans. Homo sapiens idaltu was first discovered in Herto Bouri, in Ethiopia. According to “Toba catastrophe theory”, the evolutionary process of modern humans was after 70000 years ago. The evolution of modern humans most probably was started 200,000 years ago. Recent genetic studies have suggested the modern humans were evolved from at least two ancient human species such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. Theoretically, the modern humans have evolved from archaic humans who in turn evolved from Homo erectus. This is the difference between Homoerectus and Homosapien.

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Reference:

1.Castro, Joseph. “Homo Erectus: Facts About the ‘Upright Man’.” LiveScience, Purch, 22 June 2015. Available here 
2.“Anatomically modern human.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Nov. 2017. Available here
3.homoerectus, El. “The homoerectus.” The Homorectus, 1 Jan. 1970. Available here 

Image Courtesy:

1.’Homo erectus adult female – head model – Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – 2012-05-17′ by Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2.’Homosapiens’ By Jacques63 – Own work, (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia