Describe the evidence for human evolution based on stone tools, including:…

The idea

Stone tools provide additional evidence for human evolution because they show increasing complexity and skill over time. The earliest tools, such as simple Oldowan choppers, were made by striking flakes from a core to produce a sharp edge. Later Acheulean hand axes were shaped more deliberately and symmetrically. More recent tools, such as those made by Neanderthals and early modern humans, were struck from prepared cores to produce fine blades and points, sometimes attached to handles. This trend from simple flakes to finely worked, specialised tools reflects growing brain size and manual dexterity. Tools can be dated from their environment: the rock layer or sediment in which a tool is buried gives its age, and tools found alongside dated volcanic ash or in dated strata can be placed in time. This lets scientists link tool complexity to the fossils of the hominins who made them.

What earns the marks

• Stone tools show a trend from simple flakes and choppers to more finely worked, symmetrical and specialised tools over time.
• Increasing tool complexity reflects growing brain size and improved manual dexterity in human ancestors.
• Tools are dated by the rock layer or sediment in which they are found, giving a relative age.
• Tools found in strata alongside dated material such as volcanic ash can be given an absolute age.
• Dating tools lets scientists link tool-making ability to the fossils of the hominins who made them.
• Tool evidence supports the idea of gradual evolution of human skill and intelligence.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking all stone tools are the same age.

  Put it right: Tools vary in complexity and are dated by the layers they are found in.

• Assuming tools can be dated on their own.

  Put it right: They are dated from their environment, such as the rock layer or associated dated material.

• Ignoring the link to brain size.

  Put it right: Increasing tool complexity is evidence of growing brain size and dexterity.

• Believing tool-making is unrelated to fossils.

  Put it right: Dating tools alongside fossils links the two types of evidence.

Exam tips

• Describe the trend in tool complexity, not just one type of tool.
• Explain that tools are dated from the rock layer or sediment they are found in.
• Link tool evidence to brain size and dexterity to show how it supports evolution.