Research Reveals Chimpanzee’s Stone Tool Choices Mirror How Ancient Human Ancestors Used Them

Researchers have noted a stark but surprising similarity between chimpanzees and ancient humans. Experts have analyzed several stone tools that were possibly used by Oldowan hominins, stated Phys.org. This tool examination unveiled that the group was intentional in their choices of rocks to scrape, crush, and cut things. Similar choice patterns were also noted in chimpanzees. Findings regarding these similar patterns have been published in the Journal of Human Evolution.

Researchers conducted a thorough analysis of the processes employed by chimps to choose rocks for cracking open a nut. The team found that for this particular task, the animals used two tools, a 'hammer,' and an anvil. Rocks were used in place of both hammer and anvil. The rock that functioned as a hammer was chosen by chimpanzees keeping in mind heft and shape. The rock for the anvil was selected based on durability as it had to withstand strong blows. These outcomes were recorded by observing test chimpanzees and how they reacted to the rocks placed around them. 

For the study, experts provided chimpanzees with several premeasured rocks. The animals were given a nut, and when they undertook the task of cracking them, researchers noted that they took into consideration mechanical properties rather than appearance. One of the patterns they noted was the chimpanzees selecting harder rocks as hammers while going for softer ones in the case of anvil. These practices were also possibly passed down, as young chimps were using the same tools as their older counterparts. This implied that chimpanzees were intentional in their choice of tools. 

The chimpanzees chosen for the study were located in Bossou, Guinea, stated ZME Science. Unfamiliar stones like dacite and carbonation transported from East Africa were placed around these chimpanzees. Researchers noted that time and again, these chimpanzees chose hard dacites as hammers while softer carbonatites were applied as anvils. These mechanical properties were judged and understood by a method of trial and error. "These patterns of stone selection parallel what is documented for Oldowan hominins," the researchers noted.

Researchers have noted that Oldowan hominins transported specific rocks over a distance of 10 kilometers to craft particular tools for functions like butchering animals and processing plants, according to ZME Science. These actions reflect that this group had an advanced understanding of the features of these rocks. This intelligence was not unique to humans according to experts. Chimpanzees were also observed to require fewer strikes to crack a nut, implying their improved understanding of the rocks. 

Past studies have revealed that stone tools were first used by Oldowan hominins, around 2.5 million years ago, according toPhys.org. Researchers analyzed rocks used by this group and concluded that they were selected based on their qualities. Experts also claimed that this understanding of what kind of rock was suitable for a particular function was also passed down from generation to generation. Both of these practices were also noted in chimpanzees, showcasing a similarity in lifestyle. Researchers believe this finding showcases that by studying more such behavior in chimpanzees, experts can figure out the social and ecological dynamics in play that led to the development of ancient tools