What is the Difference Between Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus?

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Homo habilis and Homo erectus are two different species of the genus Homo, with several differences in terms of time period, brain size, body size, tool use, and geographic distribution:

  1. Time Period: Homo habilis lived around 2.1 to 1.5 million years ago, while Homo erectus lived from about 1.9 million to 110,000 years ago.
  2. Brain Size: Homo habilis had a smaller brain, with an average size of about 600-700 cubic centimeters, while Homo erectus had a larger brain, averaging about 900 cubic centimeters.
  3. Body Size: Homo habilis was smaller and less human-like in body proportions, with shorter legs and longer arms. Homo erectus was larger and had more human-like proportions, with longer legs and shorter arms.
  4. Tool Use: Homo habilis is known for using simple stone tools, hence the name 'handy man'. Homo erectus used more complex tools and is also associated with the use of fire.
  5. Geographic Distribution: Homo habilis was primarily found in Africa, while Homo erectus had a wider geographic distribution, with fossils found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Both species had larger teeth than modern humans, but Homo erectus had smaller, shovel-shaped teeth compared to Homo habilis. Homo erectus also had a bipedal stance, similar to modern humans, while Homo habilis had a more ape-like body structure, with long arms.

Comparative Table: Homo Habilis vs Homo Erectus

Here is a table comparing the differences between Homo habilis and Homo erectus:

Feature Homo habilis Homo erectus
Time Period 2.1 to 1.5 million years ago 1.9 million to 110,000 years ago
Geographic Range Primarily Africa Africa, Asia, and Europe
Brain Size Smaller, with an average size of 600-700 cc Larger, with an average size of about 900 cc
Body Size Smaller and less human-like in proportions Larger and more human-like in proportions
Posture Not completely erect Stood upright and had a completely upright posture
Tool Use Simple stone tools Refined stone tools used for hunting
Migration No migratory records from Africa to other regions Thought to have migrated to Asia and Europe

Homo habilis and Homo erectus are two different species of the genus Homo, with several differences in their time period, geographic distribution, brain size, body size, posture, tool use, and migration.