The earliest or first fossil man is

Options

A. Homo habilis
B. Homo erectus
C. Australopithecus
D. Ramapithecus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks for the earliest or first fossil man.

2. **List the Options**: The options provided are:
- Homo habilis
- Homo erectus
- Australopithecus
- Ramapithecus

3. **Define Each Option**:
- **Homo habilis**: Known as the "handyman," lived approximately 2.4 million to 1.4 million years ago.
- **Homo erectus**: Known as the "upright man," lived from about 1.89 million to 11,000 years ago.
- **Australopithecus**: An earlier hominid, lived before Homo habilis.
- **Ramapithecus**: An ancient primate, often considered a precursor to the genus Homo.

4. **Determine the Earliest Fossil Man**:
- Among the options, **Homo habilis** is recognized as the earliest known member of the genus Homo, thus making it the first fossil man.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer is **Homo habilis**.

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