What evolutionary outcome occurred for H. heidelbergensis in cold climates?

H. heidelbergensis is believed to have adapted to colder climates, which significantly influenced its evolutionary path. One of the major outcomes of these adaptations was the evolution of H. neanderthalensis, especially in Europe and western Asia. This hominin species exhibited physical traits suited for survival in cold environments, such as a stockier build and larger nasal passages, which are advantageous for conserving heat.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the evolutionary trajectory or outcomes associated with H. heidelbergensis in cold climates. For instance, while extinction can happen in response to environmental pressures, H. heidelbergensis did not directly go extinct in these colder regions; rather, it evolved into Neanderthals. The idea that it migrated to Africa overlooks the fact that some populations stayed in Europe and adapted to the cold. Similarly, the evolution into H. sapiens relates to a separate lineage that developed in Africa, rather than a direct evolution from H. heidelbergensis in colder climates. Therefore, the most accurate outcome of H. heidelbergensis in response to cold climates is its evolution into H. neanderthalensis.