Final answer:
Homo habilis, an early human ancestor, survived by consuming a varied diet, creating stone tools, and likely living in groups for cooperative hunting and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo habilis, known as the "handy man," survived by adapting various strategies. This species, which lived from about 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago in East Africa, managed survival through a diet that included both plant and animal food. With a larger brain capacity than its predecessors, approximately 800 cubic centimeters, Homo habilis was more adept at creating stone tools and using these for various purposes such as processing food and possibly for protection.
The evolution of this species marked a significant development in the genus Homo. By utilizing stone tools, Homo habilis could efficiently exploit its environment and ensure a varied diet, which was crucial for brain development and survival. Furthermore, living in groups may have also provided benefits for cooperative hunting and protection from predators.