642 The Animal Kingdom 



Fossil Men From the Orient. — The island of Java off the coast 

 of southeast Asia at present is one of the most densely populated areas 

 in the world. It was in this tropical area in the year 1891 that the im- 

 portant remains of early man were encountered. The original find con- 

 sisted of a skull cap and mandible from Pleistocene deposits. Later in- 

 vestigations have unearthed much additional material. From all of this, 

 it is possible to characterize this primitive human now known as Pithe- 

 canthropus erectus. He was erect and possessed a brain more highly 

 developed than that of any fossil ape. The skull and teeth show an inter- 

 esting mixture of ape and human characteristics which are somewhat 

 more human than apelike. He had a projecting, chinless face, and a 

 broad nose ; his massive jaws possessed heavy teeth. There is some evi- 

 dence that Pithecanthropus was able to use some tools, such as primitive 

 stone implements. It is possible that Pithecanthropus evolved in the 

 main continental mass of Asia and migrated down to Java where he was 

 able to survive long after his counterparts had perished. It is probable 

 that at this time in Europe, much more modern men were making their 

 appearance. 



In China remains of giant men directly related to Pithecanthropus 

 have been found. One of these is Sinanthropus pekinensis. Sinan- 

 thropus was found in strata belonging to the Middle to Lower Pleisto- 

 cene. From extensive remains, it is believed that Sinanthropus used 

 tools, may have buried his dead, and indulged in cannibalism. They ap- 

 peared to be particularly fond of fresh brains as is shown by the numer- 

 ous skulls found with fractures caused by heavy blows. Remains of other 

 large primitive men have been found in this general area, including the 

 mighty Gigantopithecus and Meganthropus. 



Fossil Men From Europe. — In Europe, other fossil men have been 

 discovered. One of these which lived in the region of present-day Heidel- 

 berg, Germany, is known as the Heidelberg man. From the fragmentary 

 remains, it appears that this man had a massive head, low brow, was 

 chinless, and had projecting jaws. 



Of the fossil human beings. Neanderthal man is undoubtedly the 

 most famous. These fossils together with their crude implements were 

 found in Pleistocene deposits of much of Europe. Neanderthal man was 

 of medium height (about 5>4 feet), had a massive head, and projecting 

 jaws. He had a deep round chest, short legs, and moderately long arms. 

 His head was probably thrust forward. In all he must have looked much 

 like a very humanized gorilla. 



