Difference between revisions of "Homo habilis" - New World Encyclopedia
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | ''Homo babilis'' is one of the | + | ''Homo babilis'' is one of the earliest known hominids. The term hominid technically refers to any member of the biological family Hominidae (the "[[ape|great apes]]"), a group of [[primate]]s that includes the extinct and extant [[human]]s, [[chimpanzee]]s, [[gorilla]]s, and [[orangutan]]s. However, the original use of the term hominid was restricted to humans and their extinct relatives; that is, those more closely related to humans than the great apes. This original definition of hominid remains popular with many anthropologists and lay people. |
| − | + | ''Homo habilis'' is arguably the first species of the ''Homo'' genus to appear. In its appearance and morphology, ''H. habilis'' was the least similar to modern humans of all species to be placed in the genus ''Homo'' (except possibly ''[[Homo rudolfensis]]''). ''Homo habilis'' was short and had disproportionately long arms compared to modern humans; however it had a reduction in the protrusion in the face. These hominins were smaller than modern humans, on average standing no more than 1.3 m (4'3") tall. Compared to [[australopithecine]]s, ''H. habilis'''s brain capacity was on average 50% larger than australopithecines, but considerably smaller than the 1350 to 1450 cc range of modern ''[[Homo sapiens]]''. | |
| − | + | Richard Leakey describes the discovery and naming of the first ''habilis'' in ''The Making of Mankind'' (1981). It was found by Jonathan Leakey at Olduvai, on November 4, 1960, and was called at first "Jonny's child." Richard says that Louis named the fossil for its "ability to make tools" and that ''habilis'' means "skilful." By another account, Louis Leakey solicited a name from Raymond Dart, which Phillip Tobias translated as "handyman." Later, it became OH 7 described under "Famous specimens" below. The definition of this species is credited to both Mary and Louis [[Leakey]], who found fossils in [[Tanzania]], [[East Africa]], between [[1962]] and [[1964]]. | |
| − | + | Mayr (2001) notes that around two million years ago, another fossil hominid was found that was described as ''Homo habilis'' but was eventually separated, with the larger-brained specimens assigned to ''H. rudolfensis'' and the name ''habilis'' restricted to the smaller specimens. Mayr (2001) reports that ''Homo habilis'' brains measured only 450, 500, and 600 cc, overlapping ''Australopithecus'', while ''Homo rudolfensis'' were strikingly larger, from 700 to 900 cc. | |
| − | |||
| − | Mayr (2001) | ||
| + | Fossil findings are actually quite fragmentary (see [[Human evolution#challenges|human evolution]], and thus interpretations are subject to change. The small size and rather primitive attributes have led some experts (Richard Leakey among them) to propose excluding ''H. habilis'' from the genus ''Homo'', and renaming as "''Australopithecus habilis''". Mayr (2001) states that "'''Homo' habilis'' is now considered a late species of ''Australopithecus''." | ||
| + | ''Homo habilis'' is thought to have descended from a species of [[australopithecine]] hominid, and its immediate ancestor may have been the more massive and ape like ''Homo rudolfensis''. Despite the ape-like morphology of the bodies, ''H. habilis'' remains are often accompanied by primitive stone tools (e.g. [[Olduvai Gorge]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Lake Turkana]], [[Kenya]]). | ||
''Homo habilis'' is thought to be the ancestor of the lankier and more sophisticated, ''[[Homo ergaster]]'', which in turn gave rise to the more human-appearing species, ''[[Homo erectus]]''. Debates continue over whether ''H. habilis'' is a direct human ancestor, and whether all of the known fossils are properly attributed to the species. | ''Homo habilis'' is thought to be the ancestor of the lankier and more sophisticated, ''[[Homo ergaster]]'', which in turn gave rise to the more human-appearing species, ''[[Homo erectus]]''. Debates continue over whether ''H. habilis'' is a direct human ancestor, and whether all of the known fossils are properly attributed to the species. | ||
| − | + | Mayr (2001) notes that the ''Homo'' genus, a far advanced hominid, appeared suddenly in eastern AFrica. He finds this quite puzzling, as ''H. rudolfensis'' does not seem to have descended from any known ''Australopithecus'' species in eastern and southern Africa, and if it came from ''Australopithecus'' species elsewhere (western and northern Africa), then no fossils have been found so far. | |
==Findings== | ==Findings== | ||
| − | + | As noted above, anthropologist [[Louis Leakey]]’s son Jonathan Leakey, unearthed an [[ape]]-like skull that shared [[human]]-like traits at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | One set of fossil remains (OH 62), discovered by Donald Johanson and Tim White in Olduvai Gorge in 1986, included the important upper and lower limbs. An older (1963) finding from the Olduvai site found by N. Mbuika had included a lower jaw fragment, teeth and upper mandible possibly from a female dating 1.7 million years old. The remains from 3 skeletons (McKie 2000) demonstrated an [[australopithecus|australopithecine]]-like body with a more human-like face and smaller teeth. | |
| − | ===Famous Specimens=== | + | =====Famous Specimens===== |
| − | * ''' | + | * '''KNM ER 1813''' is a relatively complete cranium which dates 1.9 million years old, discovered at Koobi Fora, [[Kenya]] by Kamoya Kimeu in 1973. The brain capacity is 510cc, not as impressive as other early specimen and forms of Homo habilis discovered. |
| − | * ''' | + | * '''OH 7''' dates 1.75 million years old and was discovered by Jonathan Leakey on November 4, 1960 at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. It is a lower jaw complete with teeth and due to the size of the small teeth; researchers estimate this individual had a brain volume of 363cc. |
| − | * ''' | + | * '''OH 24''' (AKA ''Twiggy'') is a roughly deformed cranium dating 1.8 million years old discovered in October 1968 at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania by Peter Nzube. The brain volume is just under 600cc; also a reduction in a protruding face is present compared to members of more primitive Australopithecines. Twiggy was found in a distorted matrix with a coating of limestone rock. |
| − | * ''' | + | * '''KNM ER 1805''' is a specimen of an adult ''H. habilis'' made of 3 pieces of cranium dating 1.74 million years old from Koobi Fora, Kenya. Previous assumptions were that this specimen belongs to ''H. erectus'' based on the degree of [[prognathism]] and overall cranial shape. |
==Interpretations== | ==Interpretations== | ||
| − | ''Homo habilis'' is thought to have mastered the | + | ''Homo habilis'' is thought to have mastered the Olduwan era (Early Paleolithic) tool case, which utilized stone flakes. These stone flakes were more advanced than any tools previously used, and gave ''H. habilis'' the edge it needed to prosper in hostile environments previously too formidable for [[primate]]s. Whether ''H. habilis'' was the first hominin (member of the tribe Hominini: extinct and extant chimpanzees and humans) to master stone tool technology remains controversial, as ''Australopithecus garhi'', dated to 2.6 million years ago, has been found along with stone tool implements at least 100,000 - 200,000 years older than ''H. habilis''. |
| − | Most experts assume the intelligence and social organization of ''H. habilis'' were more sophisticated than typical australopithecines or [[chimpanzee]]s. Yet despite tool usage, ''H. habilis'' was not the master hunter that its descendants proved to be, as there is ample fossil evidence that ''H. habilis'' was a staple in the diet of large predatory animals such as '' | + | Most experts assume the intelligence and social organization of ''H. habilis'' were more sophisticated than typical australopithecines or [[chimpanzee]]s. Yet despite tool usage, ''H. habilis'' was not the master hunter that its descendants proved to be, as there is ample fossil evidence that ''H. habilis'' was a staple in the diet of large predatory animals such as ''Dinofelis'', a large predatory [[Felidae|cat]] similar to a [[leopard]]. ''H. habilis'' seems to have used tools primarily for scavenging, such as cleaving meat off of carrion, rather than defense or hunting. |
| − | ''Homo habilis'' co-existed with other ''Homo''-like bipedal primates, such as '' | + | ''Homo habilis'' co-existed with other ''Homo''-like bipedal primates, such as ''Paranthropus boisei'', some of which prospered for many millennia. However, ''H. habilis'', possibly because of its early tool innovation and a less specialized diet, became the precursor of an entire line of new species, whereas ''Paranthropus boisei'' and its [[Australopithecus|robust australopithecine relatives]] disappeared from the fossil record. |
The classification of ''H. habilis'' into the ''Homo'' genus is controversial. Like ''Homo rudolfensis'', ''H. habilis'' lacked many of the things that were unique to later hominins such as slim hips for walking long distances, a sophisticated sweating system, narrow birth canal, and legs longer than arms. Such traits as noticeable whites in the eyes, smaller hairs resulting in exposed skin, and a naked appearance remain theoretical. Despite larger brains than earlier species, and bipedal locomotion, many scientists think ''H. habilis'' and its close relative ''H. rudolfensis'' to be more ape-like, and not properly belonging in the ''Homo'' genus. | The classification of ''H. habilis'' into the ''Homo'' genus is controversial. Like ''Homo rudolfensis'', ''H. habilis'' lacked many of the things that were unique to later hominins such as slim hips for walking long distances, a sophisticated sweating system, narrow birth canal, and legs longer than arms. Such traits as noticeable whites in the eyes, smaller hairs resulting in exposed skin, and a naked appearance remain theoretical. Despite larger brains than earlier species, and bipedal locomotion, many scientists think ''H. habilis'' and its close relative ''H. rudolfensis'' to be more ape-like, and not properly belonging in the ''Homo'' genus. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | + | * Gallant, R. A. 2000. ''Early Humans''. New York : Benchmark Books. ISBN 0761409602. | |
| − | + | * Leakey, R. E. 1981. ''The Making of Mankind''. Elsevier-Dutton Publishing Company, Inc. ISBN 0525150552. | |
| + | * Mayr, E. 2001. ''What evolution is''. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0465044255. | ||
| + | * McKie, R. 2000. ''Dawn of Man: The Story of Human Evolution''. New York : Dorling Kindersley Pub. ISBN 0789462621. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 21:58, 4 March 2007
| Homo habilis
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| KNM ER 1813 discovered at Koobi Fora KNM ER 1813 discovered at Koobi Fora
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| †Homo habilis Leakey et al, 1964 |
Homo habilis (IPA /ˈhoʊmoʊ ˈhæbələs/) ("handy man," "skillful person") is the oldest known species of the genus Homo, to which human beings belong. Homo habilis lived from approximately 2.5 million to 1.5 million years ago, appearing first in the late Pliocene or beginning of the Pleistocene. It is considered to have diverged from the Australopithecines.
Homo habilis was nicknamed 'handy man' by its discoverer, Louis Leakey. Some scientists have proposed moving this species out of Homo and into Australopithecus (Mayr 2001).
Overview
Homo babilis is one of the earliest known hominids. The term hominid technically refers to any member of the biological family Hominidae (the "great apes"), a group of primates that includes the extinct and extant humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. However, the original use of the term hominid was restricted to humans and their extinct relatives; that is, those more closely related to humans than the great apes. This original definition of hominid remains popular with many anthropologists and lay people.
Homo habilis is arguably the first species of the Homo genus to appear. In its appearance and morphology, H. habilis was the least similar to modern humans of all species to be placed in the genus Homo (except possibly Homo rudolfensis). Homo habilis was short and had disproportionately long arms compared to modern humans; however it had a reduction in the protrusion in the face. These hominins were smaller than modern humans, on average standing no more than 1.3 m (4'3") tall. Compared to australopithecines, H. habilis's brain capacity was on average 50% larger than australopithecines, but considerably smaller than the 1350 to 1450 cc range of modern Homo sapiens.
Richard Leakey describes the discovery and naming of the first habilis in The Making of Mankind (1981). It was found by Jonathan Leakey at Olduvai, on November 4, 1960, and was called at first "Jonny's child." Richard says that Louis named the fossil for its "ability to make tools" and that habilis means "skilful." By another account, Louis Leakey solicited a name from Raymond Dart, which Phillip Tobias translated as "handyman." Later, it became OH 7 described under "Famous specimens" below. The definition of this species is credited to both Mary and Louis Leakey, who found fossils in Tanzania, East Africa, between 1962 and 1964.
Mayr (2001) notes that around two million years ago, another fossil hominid was found that was described as Homo habilis but was eventually separated, with the larger-brained specimens assigned to H. rudolfensis and the name habilis restricted to the smaller specimens. Mayr (2001) reports that Homo habilis brains measured only 450, 500, and 600 cc, overlapping Australopithecus, while Homo rudolfensis were strikingly larger, from 700 to 900 cc.
Fossil findings are actually quite fragmentary (see human evolution, and thus interpretations are subject to change. The small size and rather primitive attributes have led some experts (Richard Leakey among them) to propose excluding H. habilis from the genus Homo, and renaming as "Australopithecus habilis". Mayr (2001) states that "'Homo' habilis is now considered a late species of Australopithecus."
Homo habilis is thought to have descended from a species of australopithecine hominid, and its immediate ancestor may have been the more massive and ape like Homo rudolfensis. Despite the ape-like morphology of the bodies, H. habilis remains are often accompanied by primitive stone tools (e.g. Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania and Lake Turkana, Kenya).
Homo habilis is thought to be the ancestor of the lankier and more sophisticated, Homo ergaster, which in turn gave rise to the more human-appearing species, Homo erectus. Debates continue over whether H. habilis is a direct human ancestor, and whether all of the known fossils are properly attributed to the species.
Mayr (2001) notes that the Homo genus, a far advanced hominid, appeared suddenly in eastern AFrica. He finds this quite puzzling, as H. rudolfensis does not seem to have descended from any known Australopithecus species in eastern and southern Africa, and if it came from Australopithecus species elsewhere (western and northern Africa), then no fossils have been found so far.
Findings
As noted above, anthropologist Louis Leakey’s son Jonathan Leakey, unearthed an ape-like skull that shared human-like traits at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania.
One set of fossil remains (OH 62), discovered by Donald Johanson and Tim White in Olduvai Gorge in 1986, included the important upper and lower limbs. An older (1963) finding from the Olduvai site found by N. Mbuika had included a lower jaw fragment, teeth and upper mandible possibly from a female dating 1.7 million years old. The remains from 3 skeletons (McKie 2000) demonstrated an australopithecine-like body with a more human-like face and smaller teeth.
Famous Specimens
- KNM ER 1813 is a relatively complete cranium which dates 1.9 million years old, discovered at Koobi Fora, Kenya by Kamoya Kimeu in 1973. The brain capacity is 510cc, not as impressive as other early specimen and forms of Homo habilis discovered.
- OH 7 dates 1.75 million years old and was discovered by Jonathan Leakey on November 4, 1960 at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. It is a lower jaw complete with teeth and due to the size of the small teeth; researchers estimate this individual had a brain volume of 363cc.
- OH 24 (AKA Twiggy) is a roughly deformed cranium dating 1.8 million years old discovered in October 1968 at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania by Peter Nzube. The brain volume is just under 600cc; also a reduction in a protruding face is present compared to members of more primitive Australopithecines. Twiggy was found in a distorted matrix with a coating of limestone rock.
- KNM ER 1805 is a specimen of an adult H. habilis made of 3 pieces of cranium dating 1.74 million years old from Koobi Fora, Kenya. Previous assumptions were that this specimen belongs to H. erectus based on the degree of prognathism and overall cranial shape.
Interpretations
Homo habilis is thought to have mastered the Olduwan era (Early Paleolithic) tool case, which utilized stone flakes. These stone flakes were more advanced than any tools previously used, and gave H. habilis the edge it needed to prosper in hostile environments previously too formidable for primates. Whether H. habilis was the first hominin (member of the tribe Hominini: extinct and extant chimpanzees and humans) to master stone tool technology remains controversial, as Australopithecus garhi, dated to 2.6 million years ago, has been found along with stone tool implements at least 100,000 - 200,000 years older than H. habilis.
Most experts assume the intelligence and social organization of H. habilis were more sophisticated than typical australopithecines or chimpanzees. Yet despite tool usage, H. habilis was not the master hunter that its descendants proved to be, as there is ample fossil evidence that H. habilis was a staple in the diet of large predatory animals such as Dinofelis, a large predatory cat similar to a leopard. H. habilis seems to have used tools primarily for scavenging, such as cleaving meat off of carrion, rather than defense or hunting.
Homo habilis co-existed with other Homo-like bipedal primates, such as Paranthropus boisei, some of which prospered for many millennia. However, H. habilis, possibly because of its early tool innovation and a less specialized diet, became the precursor of an entire line of new species, whereas Paranthropus boisei and its robust australopithecine relatives disappeared from the fossil record.
The classification of H. habilis into the Homo genus is controversial. Like Homo rudolfensis, H. habilis lacked many of the things that were unique to later hominins such as slim hips for walking long distances, a sophisticated sweating system, narrow birth canal, and legs longer than arms. Such traits as noticeable whites in the eyes, smaller hairs resulting in exposed skin, and a naked appearance remain theoretical. Despite larger brains than earlier species, and bipedal locomotion, many scientists think H. habilis and its close relative H. rudolfensis to be more ape-like, and not properly belonging in the Homo genus.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Gallant, R. A. 2000. Early Humans. New York : Benchmark Books. ISBN 0761409602.
- Leakey, R. E. 1981. The Making of Mankind. Elsevier-Dutton Publishing Company, Inc. ISBN 0525150552.
- Mayr, E. 2001. What evolution is. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0465044255.
- McKie, R. 2000. Dawn of Man: The Story of Human Evolution. New York : Dorling Kindersley Pub. ISBN 0789462621.
External links
Sahelanthropus tchadensis • Orrorin tugenensis • Ardipithecus
Australopithecus: A. anamensis • A. afarensis • A. bahrelghazali • A. africanus • A. garhi
Paranthropus: P. aethiopicus • P. boisei • P. robustus
Kenyanthropus platyops
Homo: H. habilis • H. rudolfensis • H. georgicus • H. ergaster • H. erectus (H. e. lantianensis • H. e. palaeojavanicus • H. e. pekinensis • H. e. soloensis) • H. cepranensis • H. antecessor • H. heidelbergensis • H. neanderthalensis • H. rhodesiensis • H. floresiensis • Homo sapiens (H. s. idaltu • H. s. sapiens)
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