section_path: Evolution of genus Homo/H. habilis and H. gautengensis
section_name: H. habilis and H. gautengensis
paragraph_text: H. habilis and H. gautengensis
  
  Homo habilis lived from about 2.8 to 1.4 Ma. The species evolved in South and East Africa in the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene, 2.5–2 Ma, when it diverged from the australopithecines with the development of smaller molars and larger brains. One of the first known hominins, it made tools from stone and perhaps animal bones, leading to its name homo habilis (Latin 'handy man') bestowed by discoverer Louis Leakey. Some scientists have proposed moving this species from Homo into Australopithecus due to the morphology of its skeleton being more adapted to living in trees rather than walking on two legs like later hominins.
  
  In May 2010, a new species, Homo gautengensis, was discovered in South Africa.