The Tool-Making Animal

This video describes how stone tools reveal a critical transition in the lives of our early human ancestors.

Though tool use is not unique to humans, the sophistication of our tools and our degree of reliance upon them is unique and sets us apart from other species. So, when did human tool-making begin, and why? And what does it tell us about the evolution of our ancestors? Paleoanthropologist Tim White reveals the answers in this short video, which also features evolutionary biologist Sean Carroll.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.