Comments on: Great Moments in Human Evolution: The Invention of Chipped Stone Tools

By: Monado

Monado — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:11:20 +0000

I have read in a couple of places that certain groups of chimpanzees are making stone tools and have been for about 4,000 years at least. And that the average chimpanzee’s stone hammer is a lot heavier than the average human’s stone hammer.

I once read that there had been a sudden increase in the complexity of stone tools around 300,000 years ago and the author speculated that it marked the beginnings of useful language. Thoughts?

By: Lilian Nattel

Lilian Nattel — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:43:46 +0000

I’m glad to know that even Harvard students can make stone tools. Just in case civilization collapses.

By: Greg Laden

Greg Laden — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:41:39 +0000

Dean, that is a totally valid question and it depends on a lot of things. There is no clear answer. A species that does not ever use stone tools could not really become a species that does without something being in place for that activity. Once stone tools are used, this would certainly exert selective forces as well, tying the stone tools with evolution down the line.

As far as civilization is concerned, well, if that ever happens remains to be seen!

By: dean

dean — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:24:23 +0000

Just a lowly statistician here, with a language question. Is it common to refer to the invention and use of tools as “human evolution”? My first thought would be to consider this a step toward eventual civilization but not anything related to physical development.

I see two explanations: I’m trying to make too much of this, or I simply lack the requisite background in use of terms.

Interesting post, though.