Potatools

 

In Biology we have been learning about hominid development as part of the human evolution topic. One topic we have been focusing on recently is stone tools, which are obviously a key part of hominid adaptation and development. 

There are four main types of stone tools, increasing in complexity as time progressed:

-Oldowan tools were associated with H. Habillis around 2.7-1.7 million years ago. They were fashioned by striking two stones together 5-6 times to produce a sharp(ish) edge.

-Acheulian tools were associated with H. Erectus and H. Ergaster. These tools were more complex, fully shaped, required more planning and were often teardrop shaped. They took around 50 blows to make.

-Mousterian tools are associated with Neanderthals, produced across much of Europe, Asia and Africa around 600 000- 400 000 years ago. They were much more complex compared to oldowan tools as they required more than 150 blows. Flint was often used because it flakes in a predictable manner, making the tools easier to make and craft. It reflects on the hominid brain quickly developing and becoming more intelligent.

-Finally, upper paleolithic tools are associated with H. sapiens beginnign around 50 000 years ago. They required more than 250+ blows and are very complex, use a variety of material, and reflect on the very intelligent human brain.