Assessment Questions 4.1

1. How do the postcranial remains of Homo erectus, such as the West Turkana boy, indicate characteristics like muscularity and strength?

Postcranial remains of Homo erectus, such as the West Turkana boy, exhibit skeletal architecture indicative of great muscularity and strength, likely outside the range of modern human beings.

2. In what ways does the Homo erectus face differ from modern humans, and what is the term used to describe the forward-thrusting lower face?

The Homo erectus face is somewhat flatter and more prognathous than modern humans. The term "prognathous" describes the quality of having a forward-thrusting lower face.

3. What is the significance of the Ileret footprints in understanding Homo erectus locomotion?

The Ileret footprints in Kenya, dating to 1.5 million years ago, provide evidence that Homo erectus walked upright, similar to modern humans.