Naming Homo erectus: A review.

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Taxonomy

Background:

• Eugène Dubois discovered hominin fossils at Trinil, Indonesia in 1891-1892.
• Dubois named a new species, Homo erectus, but its original publication and type specimen remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the original publication details and identify the correct name-bearing type specimen for Homo erectus.
• To resolve taxonomic ambiguities concerning the early Homo erectus fossils.

Main Methods:

• Review of original sources and historical documents.
• Application of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature principles.
• Analysis of fossil evidence, including geological strata and morphological characteristics.

Main Results:

• The original publication of Homo erectus is confirmed as the 3rd quarter 1892 fieldwork report, not 1893.
• The original holotype comprised three fossils: a molar, calotte, and femur, but their individual attribution is uncertain.
• The femur and molar are unlikely to be part of the original holotype due to stratigraphic and morphological discrepancies.
• The Trinil calotte is identified as the most appropriate name-bearing specimen.

Conclusions:

• The naming and type specimen of Homo erectus require precise taxonomic definition.
• The Trinil calotte serves as the most reliable name-bearing specimen for Homo erectus.
• Clarification of these taxonomic issues is crucial for understanding human evolution.