Final answer:
The temporal range of Homo rudolfensis is dated to about 2 million years ago, during the Early Pleistocene epoch. It coexisted with other Homo species such as Homo habilis and Homo ergaster. There is ongoing debate about their taxonomic position and relationship to other Homo species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo Rudolfensis Temporal Range : The temporal range of Homo rudolfensis is an important topic in the study of human evolution. This species is considered an archaic member of the genus Homo and is dated to about 2 million years ago (MYA), placing it within the Early Pleistocene epoch. Homo rudolfensis coexisted with other Homo species such as Homo habilis and Homo ergaster, and there is debate among scientists regarding its exact taxonomic position and its relationship with other early archaic Homo species. Interestingly, the species designation of Homo rudolfensis is based on a cranium discovered in 1972 along Lake Turkana in Kenya, with no other postcranial remains associated with it as of current knowledge. The cranium displays a larger size compared to what is typically seen in H. habilis, and this has led to questions about whether it represents a distinct species or could be a male variant of H. habilis. Tool use is another facet of the debate, as previous assumptions that H. habilis was the earliest tool user have been challenged by evidence suggesting Australopithecine tool use predating that of H. habilis. Understanding the temporal range of Homo rudolfensis helps to shed light on the complexity and diversity of early human ancestors, including the species' potential role in the evolution of the genus Homo.