What is a key feature of the H. erectus fossils found in Gran Dolina, Spain?

The evidence of cannibalism found in the H. erectus fossils at Gran Dolina, Spain, is a significant finding that highlights aspects of social behavior and survival strategies within this ancient human group. Osteological analysis of the remains indicated butchering marks typical of those associated with the processing of flesh for consumption, suggesting that these early humans may have practiced cannibalism under certain conditions, possibly related to resource scarcity or as part of ritualistic behavior.

This finding is crucial as it offers insights into the social dynamics, health, nutritional strategies, and possibly the cultural practices of H. erectus. Understanding these behaviors can shed light on how early human species adapted to their environments and interacted with each other, emphasizing complex social structures even in prehistoric times.

The other options do not accurately reflect the key features of the fossils from Gran Dolina: the remains include both adults and juveniles, the dating of the site varies but indicates an age of around 800,000 years rather than 500,000 years, and the brain size of H. erectus is generally larger than that of earlier hominins, making the evidence of cannibalism the most distinctive and informative feature of these fossils.