KNM ER 1805

Species: Homo habilis
Age: 1.74 million years
Date of Discovery: ***
Location: Koobi Fora, Kenya
Discovered by: ***
KNM ER 1805: face and jaw frontal view
KNM ER 1805: face and jaw side view

The ER 1805 specimen to the left is divided into three main parts, the cranium (pictured from the side and the rear in the bottom two photographs), and a maxilla and mandible (pictured together--front and side views-- in the two photographs to the right). The individual was an adult at the time of death, as evidenced by the third molars. Debate as to the correct classification of ER 1805 has existed ever since it was discovered. It was originally placed in the species Homo erectus. However, based on the degree of prognathism (the degree to which the face projects forward of the braincase) and the shape of the cranium (especially the prominent nuchal crest, visible in the bottom right photo), ER 1805 is now considered to belong in H. habilis.

KNM ER 1805: cranium side view KNM ER 1805: cranium posterior view



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