Which human ancestors are linked to the earliest stone tool use?

The link between the earliest stone tool use and Homo habilis is well-established in anthropological research. This species, which lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago, is often referred to as the "handy man" due to its association with primitive tool production. Archaeological evidence indicates that Homo habilis created and utilized simple stone tools, known as Oldowan tools, which were essential for various tasks including butchering meat and processing plant materials.

The Oldowan tool culture represents a significant evolutionary advancement in human ancestors' ability to manipulate their environment, showcasing early cognitive and motor skills that paved the way for more advanced tool-making technologies in later species. This association highlights not only the practical uses of tools for survival and adaptation but also reflects the increasing complexity of behavior and social organization in early hominins.

In contrast, other species mentioned, such as Homo neanderthalensis, Homo sapiens, and Australopithecus, either emerged later in the evolutionary timeline or exhibited different behaviors and tool-use skills that do not represent the earliest known use of stone tools. Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens, for example, are associated with more advanced tool technologies, while Australopithecus, while pivotal in human