Topic: Biology

Scientists have found the oldest wooden tools ever used by humans. The tools are around 430,000 years old and were discovered in Greece.

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the skills and behavior of early humans. They found the oldest known hand-held wooden tools, which date back to around 430,000 years ago. The team of international researchers led by scientists from the University of Reading, the University of Tübingen, and the Senckenberg Nature Research Society made the discovery at the Marathousa 1 archaeological site in central Greece's Peloponnese region.

The study, published in the journal PNAS, describes two carefully worked wooden objects that were shaped and used by humans. One was made from alder wood, while the other came from either willow or poplar. The researchers say the discovery pushes back evidence for this type of wooden tool use by at least 40,000 years.

The site also contained stone tools along with the remains of elephants and other animals, suggesting the area was once used for butchering prey near the edge of an ancient lake. Early humans occupied the site during the Middle Pleistocene, a period spanning roughly 774,000 to 129,000 years ago.

The discovery is significant because it shows that early humans had developed complex behaviors and were using plants in targeted ways. This is evident from the marks on the wooden objects, which show signs of chopping and carving. The researchers believe one of the tools may have been used for digging in soft ground near the lakeshore or possibly for stripping bark from trees.

Not every marked piece of wood at the site was shaped by people. Researchers also studied a larger alder fragment with grooves carved into its surface. After detailed analysis, they concluded the marks had been left by a large carnivore, possibly a bear, rather than humans.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it helps us understand how early humans developed complex behaviors and used plants in targeted ways. It also shows that early humans were able to shape and use wood for their needs, which is an important part of human evolution.

Key Facts

• The oldest wooden tools ever used by humans are around 430,000 years old.
• The discovery was made at the Marathousa 1 archaeological site in Greece.
• The study found two carefully worked wooden objects that were shaped and used by humans.
• One of the tools may have been used for digging or stripping bark from trees.
• Not every marked piece of wood at the site was shaped by people; some marks were left by large carnivores.

Key Terms

Middle Pleistocene

A period in human evolution that spanned roughly 774,000 to 129,000 years ago

Implications

This discovery is important because it helps us understand how early humans developed complex behaviors and used plants in targeted ways. It also shows that early humans were able to shape and use wood for their needs, which is an important part of human evolution.