What is a distinguishing characteristic of Homo heidelbergensis compared to Homo erectus?

The distinguishing characteristic of Homo heidelbergensis compared to Homo erectus is that Homo heidelbergensis typically exhibited a bigger brain size. This increase in cranial volume is associated with more advanced cognitive abilities and possibly more complex social behaviors.

Homo heidelbergensis, which lived approximately between 600,000 to 200,000 years ago, is known to have a brain size averaging around 1,200 to 1,300 cubic centimeters, while Homo erectus had a smaller average brain size ranging from about 600 to 1,100 cubic centimeters. This size difference indicates evolutionary advancements in Homo heidelbergensis compared to Homo erectus, reflecting a trend toward larger brain sizes in the lineage leading to modern humans.

The options about smaller dentition and body size do not accurately reflect the findings in the fossil records, as Homo heidelbergensis generally had larger teeth and a more robust body structure compared to Homo erectus. Additionally, both species have been found in Africa and other regions; thus, stating that Homo heidelbergensis was found only in Africa is inaccurate. The discovery of fire is linked to multiple hominins, not exclusively to Homo heidelbergensis, and is not a distinguishing characteristic between the