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There are several ways in which Homo habilis may have differed from the australopithecines, which are an earlier group of hominins that lived between 4.2 and 1.4 million years ago.
Brain Size: One of the most significant differences between Homo habilis and the australopithecines is brain size. Homo habilis had a larger brain size than any of the australopithecines, with an estimated brain size of around 600-700 cubic centimeters, which is roughly 50% larger than that of Australopithecus afarensis. This increase in brain size may have been associated with the development of more advanced cognitive abilities.
Body Size and Proportions: Homo habilis was also taller and had longer legs relative to body size than the australopithecines, which may have been an adaptation to more efficient walking and running on two legs.
Tool-Making: Another significant difference between Homo habilis and the australopithecines is the ability to make tools. Homo habilis is credited with the development of the Oldowan stone tool technology, which involves the production of simple, chipped stone tools that were used for various purposes, such as cutting, scraping, and digging. In contrast, there is no evidence that any of the australopithecines were capable of making stone tools.
Teeth and Jaw: The teeth and jaw of Homo habilis are also different from those of the australopithecines. Homo habilis had smaller teeth and a less pronounced jaw than the australopithecines, which suggests that they may have had a more varied diet that included a greater proportion of meat and other foods that were easier to chew and digest.
In summary, Homo habilis differed from the australopithecines in several important ways, including brain size, body size and proportions, tool-making abilities, and dental and jaw characteristics.
