Timestone 4
4.4 mya
Timestone 5
3.8 - 2.9 mya
Timestone 6
3 - 2.5 mya
Timestone 7
2.5 mya
Timestone 8
2.3 -1.3 mya
Timestone 9
2.5 mya
Timestone 10
2.4 -1.6 mya
Timestone 11
1.8 -1.5 mya
Timestone 12
800,000 - 250,000 ya
Timestone 13
200,000 - 29,000 ya
Timestone 14
120,000 ya
Timestone 15
40,000 - 10,000 ya




Timestone 9
2.5 million years ago
Oldowan stone tools

Stone tools are the earliest signs of human technology and culture. Evidence of early tool technology has been found at a variety of sites throughout Africa.

Stone tools were a significant part of hominids adaptation to the environment. The earliest stone tools were crude choppers and scrapers. Scientists believe Homo habilis made these tools, because they were found where the first Homo habilis fossil was found. There may have been earlier tools of bone, wood fiber, bark, or hide, but these materials would not have survived over millions of years.


Tools
Early human technology

Tool technology represents an important step in human evolution. However, humans are not the only ones who use tools. Scientists have observed about 20 animal species using tools in the wild. Among primates only humans and chimpanzees use them regularly.
National Science Foundation
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