What is the Difference Between Homo Sapiens and Homo Erectus?

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Homo sapiens and Homo erectus are two distinct species of hominins, or human ancestors, with several key differences between them:

  1. Brain size: Homo sapiens had a larger brain than Homo erectus, which is associated with higher intelligence.
  2. Exhibited teeth: Homo sapiens had larger teeth compared to Homo erectus.
  3. Facial features: Homo sapiens had facial features more similar to modern humans, while Homo erectus had facial features similar to apes.
  4. Jaws and chin: Homo sapiens had less heavily built jaws and a more prominent chin, while Homo erectus had heavier built jaws and a less prominent chin.
  5. Height: Homo sapiens were generally taller than Homo erectus.
  6. Body proportions: Homo erectus was the first of our relatives to have human-like body proportions, with shorter arms and longer legs relative to its torso.
  7. Migration: Homo erectus was the first known hominin to migrate out of Africa.
  8. Tool usage: Homo sapiens were known to use more advanced tools compared to Homo erectus.

Homo erectus is considered an ancestor of modern humans, and most agree that it can be called a direct ancestor of Homo sapiens. However, the exact relationship between the two species and their evolutionary history is still a topic of debate among researchers.

Comparative Table: Homo Sapiens vs Homo Erectus

Here is a table comparing the differences between Homo sapiens and Homo erectus:

Feature Homo sapiens Homo erectus
Teeth Smaller teeth Larger teeth
Jaws Less heavily built jaws Heavily built jaws
Brow Ridges Fewer brow bridges, less prognathism Heavy brow bridges, more prognathism
Intelligence More intelligent, larger brain Less intelligent, smaller brain
Brain Size 1300cc brain 850cc to 1100cc brain
Speech Modern speech Primitive speech
Height Taller Shorter
Chin More prominent Less prominent
Arms and Legs Slender arms, longer legs Less slender arms, shorter legs

Homo sapiens are the species to which all modern human beings belong, with a more developed brain and modern speech. On the other hand, Homo erectus is an extinct species of human lineage with a smaller brain, low forehead, and protruding face.