How did Homo habilis's ("handy man") ability to make and use tools most significantly affect their lives?

• A. It led to the immediate development of agriculture.
• B. It allowed them to access new food sources, improving their nutrition and survival.
• C. It caused them to become fully bipedal.
• D. It enabled them to develop complex language immediately.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristic of Homo habilis: They were one of the earliest members of the genus Homo and are often referred to as 'handy man' due to their ability to create and use tools.
2. Recognize the significance of tool use: Tools allowed Homo habilis to perform tasks such as cutting meat, cracking open bones for marrow, and processing plant materials, which were previously inaccessible.
3. Connect tool use to nutrition: By accessing new food sources, such as meat and marrow, Homo habilis could improve their diet, leading to better nutrition and increased chances of survival.
4. Clarify why other options are incorrect: The development of agriculture occurred much later in human history, Homo habilis was already bipedal, and complex language did not develop immediately as a result of tool use.
5. Conclude that the most significant impact of tool use for Homo habilis was their ability to access new food sources, which improved their nutrition and survival.