5. Characteristics of H. Habilis

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Homo Habilis, literally meaning 'handy man', was a species that evolved from the Australopithecus and lived from 2.4 - 1.5 million years ago (mya). This species was physically no taller than four feet and no heavier that 110 pounds, however contained brains of 800 cc that were 50 percent larger than those of the australopithecines. The skulls have thin walls and are rounded compared to the low and flattened skulls of later species. Based on their smaller though still strong jaws, Homo Habilis had a broad diet including tougher foods such as woody plants and animal tissues though not hard foods. They are often associated with meat and marrow eating through evidence of large animal slaughter. The difference between males and females is still unclear. Though steadily becoming more humnan-like, Homo Habilis still retains some ape-like features including long arms and a slightly prognathic face. Homo Habilis were the first species able to utilize tools for their benefit, and learned to make stone tools through chipping. The species obtained their name through their making of stone tools. The first fossils of Homo Habilis were discovered at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania around 1960.


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Resources:

- Origins Manual, page 26, 27

- http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-habilis

- http://www.britannica.com/topic/Homo-habilis

Pictures:

- Homo Habilis

- Homo Habilis Skull


Yukiko Chevray