Final answer:
Homo habilis means "handy man" and is an early species in the genus Homo that lived about 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago in East Africa, known for its larger brain and use of stone tools, although it retained some ape-like features.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Homo habilis translates to "handy man" in Latin. Homo habilis is significant in the study of human evolution because it is one of the first known species in the genus Homo, having existed from about 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago in East Africa.
It likely was an ancestor to Homo erectus. H. habilis is characterized by a larger brain capacity, around 600 to 750 cubic centimeters, small teeth, and a less projecting face compared to earlier hominins like the australopiths. While previously thought to be the earliest tool makers, recent discoveries suggest that some species of australopithecines may have used stone tools before H. habilis.
The stone tools associated with H. habilis and improvements in manual dexterity and brain size represent a significant advancement in the evolutionary history. Despite their advances, H. habilis retained some primitive traits such as long arms and other ape-like features. This species stands as a vital link in the chain of human evolution, offering insights into the transition from ape-like ancestors to the more modern features of later Homo species.