IN news that should surprise no one, scientists now believe an ancient ancestor of modern humans died off because they were too lazy for their own good. In a new study published in PLOS One, archeologists present some incredibly interesting findings.

According to the researchers, Homo erectus had a habit of cutting corners when it came to crafting tools and gathering life-sustaining supplies. The scientists call the species’ unfortunate habits “least-effort strategies” and theorize that the prehistoric humans fell short of adaptability as the climate of Earth began to change.

Some of the best examples of the “good enough” mentality of Homo erectus include their habit of making stone tools from whatever rocks were the closest to them.

Evidence also showed that as the climate became drier, the group refused to change their tactics. The ancient people seemed averse to exploration, refusing to go beyond the water sources that had already dried up. Had they branched out even a bit they would have found new water sources not far away, but instead they likely succumbed to a lack of water and perished.(SD-Agencies)

First thought to have evolved around 1.9 million years ago in Africa, Homo erectus was the first early hominid to become a true global traveller.

They are known to have migrated from Africa into Eurasia, spreading as far as Georgia, Sri Lanka, China and Indonesia.

However, the hominid ultimately went extinct around 140,000 years ago.