What indicates that H. habilis still climbed trees?

The presence of curved fingers and toes in Homo habilis is a significant indicator that this species retained some adaptations for climbing trees. Curved phalanges, typically associated with arboreal locomotion, suggest that H. habilis was still capable of climbing, much like their ancestors and some modern primates. These physical adaptations enable better grasping and maneuverability in a tree environment, providing evidence that climbing behavior may have persisted in this early human species despite their increasing reliance on bipedal locomotion on the ground.

Larger brain size, shorter legs, and use of stone tools are important characteristics of H. habilis, but they do not specifically indicate climbing ability. Larger brain size is generally associated with cognitive abilities rather than locomotion. Shorter legs do not directly reflect climbing adaptations, as they are more relevant to the efficiency of bipedal walking. The use of stone tools marks a significant cultural advancement but does not provide information about climbing capabilities. Thus, the anatomical features of curved fingers and toes remain the most direct evidence of arboreal adaptations in H. habilis.