Surname 2
traits with its ancestor in the genus Australopithecus. The close similarity
in the postcranial skeletal shows that the Homo habilis was much similar to
the Australopithecus (Frederick E. Grine p143).
When compared to its predecessor, the species seem to have a much
bigger brain capacity, estimated at around 680 cubic centimetres. The big
brain capacity shows that the species was able to think. They also
displayed a slanting forehead and the bony region just above the eye
sockets was quite enlarged. Unlike the Australopithecus, the jaws and the
face of this species were smaller.
Most of the fossil remains of the Homo habilis were discovered in
Kenya and Tanzania, both located in the north-eastern part of the African
continent (Matt Cartmill p11). At the time of discovery, these areas were
mainly of semi-arid grasslands with intervals of woodlands.
Palaeontologists believe that many species of the early man had inhabited
the woodlands, which is evident in the remains of the Homo habilis.
Another evident that the Homo habilis had inhabited the grasslands is the
nature of their foot bone, which shows an adaptation to walk upright. The
upright stature was useful for them to wonder the tall grasses. Their legs
