Which of these characteristics is true for H. heidelbergensis?

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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 characteristic that H. heidelbergensis had a height and body structure similar to modern humans is accurate because fossils of this species exhibit features that are indicative of a robust and modern-like physique. H. heidelbergensis had a body that was generally larger and more heavily built than that of modern humans, often showing adaptations such as a broad frame and strong musculature, which were suitable for their environment and lifestyle. While there were distinctions between them and anatomically modern humans, overall, their body dimensions and proportions show a significant resemblance.

H. heidelbergensis is also recognized for having advanced cognitive abilities and likely sophisticated social behaviors, which would contradict the notion that they lacked any form of social structures. The proposed adaptations for flight are irrelevant since H. heidelbergensis was a terrestrial species, and the reference to their brow ridge reinforces a key difference—not similarity—when comparing it to modern humans. Thus, the selection of the correct answer is justified by the shared physical characteristics between H. heidelbergensis and modern humans.