Which ability allowed early human ancestors to occupy diverse environments?

The ability that allowed early human ancestors to occupy diverse environments is bipedalism and the use of tools. Bipedalism, or walking on two legs, enables efficient movement over various terrains, allowing early humans to cover larger distances to find food, water, and shelter. This mode of locomotion also frees the hands, thereby facilitating the development and use of tools.

The use of tools allowed early humans to exploit a wider range of resources, enhancing their ability to gather food (such as cutting meat or processing plants) and adapt to different environmental conditions. This adaptability was crucial in transitioning from forested areas to open savannas and other habitats. As a result, bipedalism and tool use together provided the foundational adaptations necessary for humans to thrive in diverse ecological niches.

In contrast, enhanced group hunting techniques and advanced social structures certainly played significant roles in the survival and success of early humans, but they were built upon the foundational abilities provided by bipedalism and tool use. Increased body hair for insulation is less relevant, as early human ancestors generally had less body hair than other primates, which may have been advantageous for thermoregulation in a variety of climates.