Difference between revisions of "5. Characteristics of H. Habilis"

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Return to [[History 8 Human Origins Concepts]]
 
Return to [[History 8 Human Origins Concepts]]
  
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Homo habilis differs from Australopithecus at the base of the skull. The foramen magnum (the opening for the spinal chord) is closer to the middle of the skull and the skull base is reduced in length but increased in width. The face decreased in width and the nasal opening was more sharply defined.  The postcanine teeth were smaller than in Australopithecus. Its cranial capacity was 500 to 800 cc. and values increase from the earliest specimens to latest ones.  This range overlaps with Australopithecus at the low end and Homo erectus at the high end. It can be debated (indeed, there has been a debate several decades long) on whether early H. habilis should be classified as Australopithecus and late H. habilis should be called Homo erectus.  H. habilis stood approximately 5 foot tall and weighed 100 pounds with females being smaller than males (Leakey, 1973b; Wood, 1987; Leakey, 1971b; Hughes, 1977; Johansen, 1987; Bilsburough, 1988; Tobias, 1972). Early Homo populations coexisted with australopithecines (Johanson, 1976). In one brain endocast, there is a bulge corresponding to Broca’s area (an important speech center) in modern human brains. Two aspects of wrist bones (the scaphoid tubercle and the articular surface of the trapezium) were chimp-like. The thumb was similar to humans in the carpo-metacarpal joint and the flattened metacarpal surface. The foot was less flexible than in chimps and its degree of possible abduction was limited. Some characteristics of the lower leg were primitive and others were advanced, not found in any ape (Susman, 1982; Skelton, 1986).
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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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http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/39/79539-004-6D93BE53.jpg
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http://humanorigins.si.edu/sites/default/files/imagecache/thumb_sqr_160/images/square/habilis_KNMER1813_skull_CC_lt_3qtr_sq.jpg
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Resources:
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- ''Origins Manual'', page 26, 27
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- http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-habilis
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- http://www.britannica.com/topic/Homo-habilis
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Pictures:
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- [http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/39/79539-004-6D93BE53.jpg Homo Habilis]
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- [http://humanorigins.si.edu/sites/default/files/imagecache/thumb_sqr_160/images/square/habilis_KNMER1813_skull_CC_lt_3qtr_sq.jpg Homo Habilis Skull]
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Yukiko Chevray

Latest revision as of 23:01, 12 October 2015

Return to History 8 Human Origins Concepts

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.


79539-004-6D93BE53.jpg

habilis_KNMER1813_skull_CC_lt_3qtr_sq.jpg


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

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