The probable first prehistoric man was:[CPMT 79]a)Ramapithecusb)Homo habilisc)Australopithecusd)ZinjanthropusCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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Zinjanthropus. : a genus of fossil hominids based on a skull found in eastern Africa, characterized by very low brow and large molars, and tentatively assigned to the Lower Pleistocene.
The miraculous discovery of Zinjanthropus boisei, the couple found further fossils, including the skull and hand of a new species, Homo habilis, the bones of which were dated in the region of 1.75 million years old.

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B. Homo habilis

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The type specimen is OH 7, discovered in 1960 at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, associated with the Oldowan lithic industry; the fossils were identified as a separate species of Homo with the proposed binomial name of H. habilis ('handy man') in 1964.[2] In its appearance and morphology, H. habilis is intermediate between Australopithecus and the somewhat younger Homo erectus and its classification in the genus Homo has been the subject of controversial debate since its original proposal.[3] A main argument for its classification as the first Homo ('human') species was its use of flaked stone tools. However, evidence for earlier tool use (3.39 million years ago) by undisputed members of Australopithecus has been found in the 1990s.

Answer

Introduction:
The probable first prehistoric man is believed to be Homo habilis. This species lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. Homo habilis was an early member of the Homo genus and is considered to be the earliest known human ancestor.

Features of Homo habilis:
Homo habilis had several distinguishing features that set it apart from its prehistoric relatives:

1. Brain Size: Homo habilis had a larger brain size compared to its Australopithecus ancestors. On average, the brain size of Homo habilis was approximately 600-700 cc, which is larger than the Australopithecus brain size.

2. Tool Usage: Homo habilis is known for its ability to use tools. Stone tools, known as Oldowan tools, have been found in association with Homo habilis fossils. This suggests that they had the cognitive ability to create and use simple tools for various purposes.

3. Dentition: Homo habilis had smaller and less robust teeth compared to Australopithecus species. This suggests a shift towards a more varied diet, including meat and plant foods.

4. Limbs: The limbs of Homo habilis were more similar to those of modern humans compared to Australopithecus species. They had longer legs and shorter arms, indicating a possible adaptation for bipedal locomotion.

Importance of Homo habilis:
The discovery of Homo habilis was significant in the field of paleoanthropology for several reasons:

1. Transition in Human Evolution: Homo habilis represents a transitional species between Australopithecus and Homo erectus. It marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Homo genus and the development of human-like characteristics.

2. Tool-making Abilities: The use of tools by Homo habilis is considered a crucial development in human evolution. It demonstrates an early form of technology and indicates the cognitive abilities of our early ancestors.

3. Expansion of Diet: The shift towards a more varied diet, including meat and plant foods, in Homo habilis suggests an increased adaptability and resource exploitation, which may have contributed to their survival and success.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Homo habilis is considered the probable first prehistoric man. Its larger brain size, tool-making abilities, dentition, and limb structure distinguish it from earlier Australopithecus species. The discovery of Homo habilis has provided valuable insights into the transition from ape-like ancestors to early humans and their ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing environments.

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