Homo habilis is an early human species that lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago. It is considered one of the first members of the genus Homo and is known for its larger brain size compared to earlier hominins. Fossils of Homo habilis have been found in East Africa, particularly in sites like Olduvai Gorge. This species is often associated with the use of simple stone tools, marking a significant advancement in human evolution. The name "habilis" means "handy" in Latin, reflecting its ability to create and use tools for various tasks, which likely helped in foraging and survival.