Which hominid was the first to adapt to both tropical and temperate climates?

The correct choice is H. erectus because this hominid species exhibited significant adaptability that allowed it to thrive in a variety of environments, including both tropical and temperate climates. H. erectus is noted for its ability to migrate out of Africa into Europe and Asia, demonstrating a flexibility in habitat preference and survival strategies that were crucial for its expansion.

This adaptability can be linked to various characteristics such as the development of more complex tools, the ability to control fire, and potentially changes in social organization. These innovations not only improved hunting and gathering efficiency but also provided the means to cope with varying environmental conditions, including colder temperatures found in more temperate regions.

In contrast, the other hominid species listed had different ecological niches and adaptations that did not allow for such widespread climatic versatility. H. habilis primarily lived in Africa and focused on more tropical and subtropical environments, while H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis came into prominence later and had their own specific adaptations more aligned with the environments they occupied, which were often shaped by the climatic conditions of their respective times.