Question

Describe the three features outlined in this chapter that set the earliest member of our own genus, Homo habilis, apart from the australopithecines, and that are defining characteristics of the genus Homo.

Answer 1

Homo habilis and Autralopithecines:

1. They are the earliest species of Homo genus which has a similar overall body plan to the australopithecines. 2. They are short in stature, with short legs in comparison to its arms.

3. The brain size of Homo habilis, however, is larger than the brain size of any australopithecine.

4. The chewing muscles and teeth of Homo habilis are smaller than the australopithecines.

5.Homo habilis had a more generalized diet than the australopithecines, many of which specialized on a narrow range of foods.

Defining characteristics of genus Homo:

1. They have a number of physical characteristics like the larger brain, especially in comparison to the earlier australopithecines.

2. The face and jaws of Homo are reduced and smaller than the face and jaws of australopithecines.

3. The Homo genus also relies more heavily on cultural adaptations or material culture for survival.

4. Some of the Homo genus have other forms of material culture, such as use of fire and hunting.

5. The Homo genus shows behavioral flexibility and the ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances or situations.