Final answer:
Homo heidelbergensis is a transitional species that evolved from Homo erectus and had features resembling a mixture of previous human species. They used stone tools and are believed to have used spears. The species emerged as a result of migrations and diversification of Homo erectus populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo heidelbergensis
Homo heidelbergensis is a transitional species that evolved from Homo erectus about 800,000 years ago and evolved into Homo neanderthalensis and early Homo sapiens around 200,000 years ago. This species is known for its variability, with features that resemble a mix of H. ergaster, H. erectus, and anatomically modern humans. They occupied caves and open-air sites, and evidence of modified dwellings has been found in various locations.
Use of Stone Tools and Spears
In addition to using stone tools, Homo heidelbergensis is believed to have used spears, as evidenced by the discovery of spears in Germany dating back to about 400,000 years ago. These spears were made from wood and showcased advanced technology, such as hafting, which involved attaching stone points to a handle made of another substance.
Migrations and Diversification
Homo heidelbergensis emerged as a diverse species due to migrations of Homo erectus populations into various parts of Africa and beyond. This extensive migration was driven by factors like climate change and pursuit of specific prey. Over time, this led to the emergence of different human species, including Homo sapiens, Denisovans, and Neanderthals.