Publisher's Synopsis
This study examines the phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of Homo erectus. The analysis belongs to the domain of alpha-taxonomy and takes into consideration the definition of several human fossil taxons, with a particular focus on South-East Asia - the geographical zone which saw the birth of Homo erectus in the history of science. One of its aims is to present an analysis of kinship and relationships and to put forward a taxonomic status for fossil specimens attributed to the Homo erectus species by past authors. Three main questions will therefore be discussed: What is the taxonomic status of Homo erectus? What is its phylogenetic position? What place do Solo Man and Flores Man occupy? A study of the calvaria, one of the best preserved and best represented parts of the skeleton among human fossils, is undertaken in order to find answers to these and other questions.
