Which one of the followng was the first to stand erect?

Options

A. Peking man
B. Australopithecus
C. Java man
D. Cro-Magnon man

Answer

To determine which of the following was the first to stand erect, we will analyze the evolutionary timeline and characteristics of the given hominins.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Hominins**: The question provides several hominins: Peking Man, Australopithecus, Java Man, and Cro-Magnon Man.

2. **Examine Peking Man**:
- Peking Man is believed to have existed around 400,000 years ago.
- Evidence suggests that they primarily used all four limbs for walking and could not walk completely upright.

3. **Examine Australopithecus**:
- Australopithecus lived between 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago.
- Their anatomical structure indicates that they were capable of standing erect and walking bipedally (on two legs).

4. **Examine Java Man**:
- Java Man is estimated to have existed between 1 million to 5 million years ago.
- They were also capable of walking erect, but since they evolved later than Australopithecus, they cannot be the first.

5. **Examine Cro-Magnon Man**:
- Cro-Magnon Man appeared around 10,000 years ago.
- They were fully capable of walking upright, but they are not the first to do so.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information analyzed, Australopithecus is the earliest hominin known to have stood erect, making it the correct answer.

### Final Answer: Australopithecus was the first to stand erect.

---