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What range of braincase sizes has been found in fossils assigned to Homo habilis?
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Homo habilis
Artist's rendering of Homo habilis, which lived from 2 to 1.5 million years ago.
Fossils assigned to Homo habilis exhibit a range of braincase sizes from slightly more than 500 cubic centimeters (cc) to nearly 800 cc (approximately 30.5 to 48.8 cubic inches).1
Specific examples of this variation include:
* ER 1813: Features a cranial capacity of approximately 510 cc.1
* OH 7: Estimated to have a brain volume of about 680 cc.1
* ER 1470: Measured at approximately 775 cc.1
While individual specimens vary significantly, Homo habilis is characterized by a larger braincase than that of the earlier genus Australopithecus.1