Final answer:
Homo habilis is important in human evolution due to its early use of Oldowan tools, reflecting significant cognitive advancements and improved survival techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homo habilis is significant in human evolution for various reasons, particularly their association with the creation and use of Oldowan tools. Dated between approximately 2.6 and 1.7 million years ago, these tools mark a substantial advancement in early hominin technology. The species' innovative leap in tool-making provided them with the ability to butcher meat, processing food efficiently, which could have had profound effects on their dietary habits, survival, and socio-behavioral evolution.
Originally, Homo habilis was believed to be the first human ancestor to have created stone tools. However, current research indicates that some australopith species, like Australopithecus garhi, may have used stone tools earlier. Nonetheless, the association of Homo habilis with the Oldowan tool industry highlights their crucial role in the evolutionary lineage, marking a transition toward more complex cognitive behaviors such as problem-solving and possibly even communication.