Question

Which is the first species of hominid thought to have the capacity for speech?

a. Homo sapiens
b. Homo habilis
c. Australopithecus africanus
d. Ardipithecus ramidus

Answer 1

Homo habilis

Step-by-step explanation:

Its average brain size was larger than that found in australopithecines and it contained a Broca's area, which is essential for speech, so it might have been capable of rudimentary speech.

(I took the test)

Answer 2

Homo habilis is the first species of hominid thought to have the capacity for speech. Therefore, the correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first species of hominid thought to have the capacity for speech is Homo habilis.

Homo habilis is the first known species in the genus Homo, living from about 2.5 to 1.4 million years ago. They had a larger brain size of 600 to 750 cubic centimeters compared to the australopiths, and their name translates to 'handy man' due to their ability to make stone tools. While there is still debate on whether Homo habilis had developed speech, it is considered the earliest hominid species with the potential for speech.