Exam 17: Human Evolution: a New Kind of Ape

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

There are several lines of evidence that refute Leakey's hypothesis that the evolution of the genus Homo was linked to the origin of tool use.

Firstly, the discovery of older stone tools predating the emergence of the genus Homo suggests that tool use was not necessarily linked to the evolution of this specific genus. These older tools, such as those found at the Lomekwi site in Kenya, date back to 3.3 million years ago, well before the emergence of Homo.

Additionally, the presence of tool use in other hominin species, such as Australopithecus, challenges the idea that tool use was a defining characteristic of the genus Homo. For example, the discovery of cut-marked bones and stone tools associated with Australopithecus afarensis at the site of Dikika in Ethiopia suggests that tool use was not exclusive to Homo.

Furthermore, the discovery of Homo species that did not use tools, such as Homo naledi, contradicts the idea that tool use was a defining factor in the evolution of the genus Homo. The presence of Homo naledi in South Africa, a species that coexisted with tool-making Homo species but did not use tools itself, suggests that tool use was not a universal trait within the genus Homo.

Overall, these lines of evidence challenge Leakey's hypothesis and suggest that the evolution of the genus Homo was not necessarily linked to the origin of tool use.