Should Homo habilis be Considered One Variable Species or Two Separate Species?

Abstract

The following paper deals with the debate whether Homo habilis should be classified as single species or two separate species. The argument tends to highlights the similarities and discrepancies that exist between the evolutionary lineages and in turn tend to establish a reasonable argument for the inclusion of Homo halibis as two different specie

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Thesis statement4

Discussion5

Conclusion8

References9

Should Homo habilis be considered one variable species or two separate species?

Introduction

Evolution is any genetic change occuring in the hereditary character of populations across timeline of generations. Evolutionary changes may or can occur at every level of the biological infrastructure such as species and ranging to DNA structures.

This applies the alleles (genes) in population change and is passed on. A genetic-level change on a population is called microevolution. Whilst, the idea of life being connected and can be traced back to one common ancestor is called macroevolution.

Human evolution generally refers to the evolutionary lineage of primates, particularly, the genus Homo, hat includes the emergence of Homo sapiens as a distinctive species of hominids. These traits related among species that share a common ancestor can be utilized to reform evolutionary theories and timelines, whilst making use of existing fossil record and species.

Thesis statement

Should Homo habilis be considered one variable species or two separate species? This paper tends to argue on the side that Homo habilis should be specified as separate species until further discoveries and studies tend to unanimously decide otherwise.

Discussion

Homo habilis, an evolutionary stage of the human species, has been recorded to exist about 1.5 million years ago. The species is named for the Latin team habilis, which means handy man, skillful and able. They are one of the earliest species in the genus Homo. Homo habilis fossils have been discovered in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. The fossils usually consist of cranial, dental and postcranial remains.

This species is still a paradox. Although, the Homo habilis species is divergent from the australopiths species in quite a few aspects, such as, cranial morphology, dealings with shape and size, it shares many a primitive traits with the ancestral australopiths, more specifically yin its postcranial skeleton.

In comparison with australopiths, Homo habilis species have a relatively larger brain (around 680 cubic centimeters). It is termed as average cranial capacity, which is a measure of the braincase volume, used to approximate volume of the brain). They have a weaker brow ridges and a vertical forehead. The jaws and face-size of Homo habilis are lesser and less protruding. The molars and premolars are narrower from front-to-back.

Due to the extensive variation found in early Homo-fossils, there has been controversial debate and discussion over whether Homo habilis should be classified as one species or should be considered different species, altogether. There may have been one or possibly more species of the first humans living in East Africa- Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis. The few rudolfensis fossils that were discovered are dating about ...