Pithecanthropus erectus is an outdated scientific name for the early hominid species now commonly referred to as Homo erectus. This species lived 1.9-0.1 million years ago and was characterized by its upright posture and relatively large brain size. Synonyms for Pithecanthropus erectus include Javanthropus mojokertensis, Java Man, and Trinil 2. These names reflect the fact that many of the fossils of this species have been found in Java, Indonesia, and the surrounding region. Homo erectus is a key ancestor of modern humans, and studying this species can provide valuable insights into the early evolution of our own species.