Homo erectus is an extinct species of early human that lived approximately 1.9 million to 110,000 years ago. They are known for their upright posture and larger brain size compared to earlier hominins. Homo erectus is believed to have been the first to use fire and create simple tools, which helped them adapt to various environments. This species originated in Africa and later migrated to parts of Asia and Europe. Fossils of Homo erectus have been found in several locations, including Java and Georgia. Their ability to walk long distances and their social behaviors likely contributed to their survival and spread across different regions.