Pithecanthropus \Pith`e*can*thro"pus\
(p[i^]th`[-e]*k[a^]n*thr[=o]"p[u^]s), prop. n. [NL.; Gr.
pi`qhkos ape + 'a`nqrwpos man.]
1. A hypothetical genus of primates intermediate between man
and the anthropoid apes. --Haeckel.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. A genus consisting of an extinct primate (Pithecanthropus
erectus) apparently intermediate between man and the
existing anthropoid apes, known from bones first found in
Java (hence called Java man) in 1891-92, and other bones
found later. The species was renamed Homo erectus around
1960. The Javan bones are believed to be from 1.6 to 1.9
million years old, and include a thigh bone of the human
type, two molar teeth intermediate between those of man
and the anthropoids, and the calvaria of the skull,
indicating a brain capacity of about 900 cubic
centimeters, and resembling in form that of the
Neanderthal man. Additional specimens of what are
considerd as variants of the species have been found in
China, Africa, and Europe. Homo erectus is currently
believed to have evolved in Africa from Homo habilis,
the first member of the genus Homo. Anatomically and
physiologically, Homo erectus resembles contemporary
humans except for having a stouter bone structure. Also
[pl. -thropi], an animal of this genus. --
Pith`e*can"thrope, n. -- Pith`e*can"thro*poid, a.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
|