Which intellectual capability is believed to be developed by Homo habilis?

Homo habilis is often recognized for its advancement over previous hominins, particularly in its ability to use tools. The development of basic problem-solving skills is fundamental to the adaptations that Homo habilis exhibited, particularly in the context of survival and resource acquisition. This species was known to create and use simple stone tools, which required an understanding of the properties of materials and the ability to manipulate them in a functional way.

The primary focus of Homo habilis' intellectual prowess lies in its practical application, such as making tools for cutting and processing food, which is a clear indicator of basic problem-solving capabilities. This reflects an evolution in cognitive function that supported their daily living and survival strategies, marking a significant step towards more complex behaviors.

Complex abstract thinking, extensive artistic expression, and advanced mathematical skills, while important elements of human intellectual development, are characteristics that emerged later in the evolutionary timeline with species like Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. These attributes require an advanced level of cognitive functionality and societal structure that Homo habilis likely did not possess. Therefore, the identification of basic problem-solving as the intellectual capability developed by Homo habilis accurately reflects their evolutionary adaptations.