Final answer:
Homo habilis, known as 'handy man,' lived from roughly 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago and had a brain size of 600 to 750 cubic centimeters. Homo erectus lived from about 1.9 million to 800,000 years ago, used sophisticated stone tools, and controlled fire. Homo sapiens appeared around 300,000 years ago, with advanced tools and adaptability similar to present-day humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo habilis, often referred to as 'handy man,' is thought to be the first known species in the genus Homo living from about 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago in East Africa. They had a larger brain - 600 to 750 cubic centimeters - than their australopithecine predecessors, and were thought to be the first to create stone tools, although we now know that stone tool use predates this species.
Homo erectus emerged around 1.9 million years ago and displayed many human-like features, such as a similar height to modern humans and the use of sophisticated stone tools. Their reliance on fire for warmth and cooking, as well as evidence of caring for the sick, indicate a sophisticated level of social organization. They lived until about 800,000 years ago and were likely ancestral to Homo heidelbergensis.
Finally, Homo sapiens, or modern humans, emerged biologically identical to us around 300,000 years ago. Their advanced tools, use of fire, and habiliments such as animal skins are testament to their unrivaled cognitive abilities and adaptability.
Throughout their existences, there is evidence that tools and brain growth played pivotal roles. The Oldowan and Acheulean tool industries are associated with these early humans, with Homo habilis using the former and Homo erectus using the latter. The environmental changes, dietary shifts, and new behaviors all correlate with these developments.