16. H. heidelbergensis

Return to History 8 Human Origins Concepts Homo heidelbergensis was found in 1908 in Heidelberg, Germany. Homo heidelbergensis had large brow ridges, and a larger braincase and flatter face than older early human species. It was the first early human species to live in colder climates because of their ­­­short, wide bodies were likely an adaptation to conserving heat. They lived at the time of the oldest definite control of fire and use of wooden spears, and it was the first early human species to routinely hunt large animals. Homo heidelbergensis also broke new ground; it was the first species to build shelters, creating simple dwellings out of wood and rock. This species lived in Europe; possibly Asia (China); Africa (eastern and southern) and lived about 700,000 to 200,000 years ago. A males average height was 5 ft 9 in (175 cm), and a females average height was 5 ft 2 in (157 cm).

Sources http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-heidelbergensis

Manual Pages page 34

Picture http://sortingoutscience.net/2011/02/07/the-scientific-tourist-160-homo-heidelbergensis/