Which hominin is known as the first to use tools and is often referred to as "Handyman"?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Biology – Human Evolution Exam. Use quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to ensure success. Master key concepts and get ready with confidence!

Homo habilis is recognized as the first hominin to exhibit the use of tools, earning the nickname "Handyman." This species lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago and is associated with the development of the earliest stone tools known as Oldowan tools. These tools were simple and included flakes and cores, which early humans used to process food and perform tasks essential for survival.

The significance of Homo habilis lies in its status as a bridge between earlier hominins, which showed minimal tool use, and later hominins that employed more advanced tool-making techniques. The association of tool use with Homo habilis highlights the beginning of a critical evolutionary development: the ability to manipulate the environment through technology, which would eventually lead to more complex behaviors and societal structures in later hominins. This capacity for tool use was crucial for survival and played a pivotal role in the evolutionary success of subsequent species.

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