What was a significant implication of H. erectus using fire?

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Prepare for the UCF ANT2511 Final Exam with quizzes covering key concepts in anthropology. Study with multiple-choice questions, each packed with hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and get ready for exam success!

The significant implication of H. erectus using fire is that it indicated their control of their environment. The ability to create and manage fire represents a major evolutionary step, as it allowed H. erectus to modify their habitat to better meet their needs. Fire provided warmth, enabled cooking, and offered protection from predators, which would have directly affected their survival and lifestyle. By harnessing fire, H. erectus could achieve a level of adaptability that allowed them to thrive in varying environments and take advantage of resources that might otherwise be unavailable or dangerous to access.

This mastery over fire also implies a certain degree of cognitive and organizational skills, as the use of fire is linked to advancements in tool-making and social interaction. However, while this does suggest some level of social structure might be developing alongside fire use, the primary significance lies in the ability to control and manipulate the environment for survival purposes.