Question

Identify the following hominids with respect to human evolution:
Brain capacity 900 cc, probably ate meat.
First human-like with brain capacity 650 - 800 cc.

Hint:

Use this direct reference list for hominid cranial capacities:
Homo habilis: $650{-}800\text{ cc}$ (First human-like tool maker)
Homo erectus: $900\text{ cc}$ (Upright posture, meat consumer)

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We are asked to identify two specific ancestral hominid species based on their documented fossil cranial capacities and dietary characteristics.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The fossil record for human evolution shows a clear, progressive increase in cranial capacity over time: Homo habilis ($650{-}800\text{ cc}$) $\rightarrow$ Homo erectus ($900\text{ cc}$) $\rightarrow$ Homo neanderthalensis ($1400\text{ cc}$).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Hominid (I): Fossils with a brain capacity of approximately $900\text{ cc}$ belong to {Homo erectus. Existing around 1.5 million years ago, Homo erectus showed significant skeletal changes, walked fully upright, and fossils indicate they probably ate meat.
Hominid (II): The hominid identified as the first human-like primate tool-maker with a brain capacity ranging between $650$ and $800\text{ cc}$ is {Homo habilis. They lived around 2 million years ago and are generally believed to have had a plant-based diet.

Step 4: Final Answer:
(I) The hominid is {Homo erectus. (II) The hominid is {Homo habilis.