Why did we evolve? Obviously, factors such as the environment played a role. But could it also be that the tools that our ancestors created actually in themselves contributed to our biological evolution?
Thursday, February 27, 2014
HUMAN EVOLUTION AND THE ROLE OF TOOLS
The first tools ever made are 2.5 million years old. They were created by our homo family tree ancestors and were found in what today is known as Ethiopia. One of the first bipedal hominids, homo erectus, showed up 700,000 years later and from this time period archaeologists found more advanced tools, such as axes. (Us homo sapiens, first showed up around 200,000 years later).
Why did we use tools? Tools allowed our ancestors to hunt new food and explore new terrain. With the help of tools they gained better access to proteins in meat. The discovery of fire gave us access to the energy found in cooked food that is hard to get at when the food is raw. Both these things contributed to our increased brain size.
Why did we evolve? Obviously, factors such as the environment played a role. But could it also be that the tools that our ancestors created actually in themselves contributed to our biological evolution?
Some theories suggest that our tool development over millions of years played a role in developing our cognitive ability and physical appearance. Tool-making lead to more advanced problem-solving as well as refined motor-skills. Tools are not only a product of our evolution but also have evolved us.
Why did we evolve? Obviously, factors such as the environment played a role. But could it also be that the tools that our ancestors created actually in themselves contributed to our biological evolution?
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