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Guide to Paranthropus species

Long known as a group of human relatives with big teeth and jaws, these ancient species lived for at least two million years alongside our ancestors.

A closeup of the front of the SK 48 fossil skull showing the eye orbits
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All the hominins made tools

A study of associations between stone tool evidence and fossil hominin remains shows that a wide range of species made stone artifacts.

Chimpanzee holding a stick wrapped around its hand and placing lips on the stick
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Understanding numbers as cognitive technology

The Whorf hypothesis says language shapes human thought. A small indigenous group with few number words puts the idea to the test.

Dominoes with colorful dots
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Neandertals hunted dangerous prey. How they killed them.

With deep experience in the hunt, Neandertals could anticipate the behavior of many of the most dangerous prey animals.

A faunal mandible surrounded by other bone fragments on an excavated surface
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Looking at the traces of wear on tools used by capuchin monkeys

Studying microscopic traces of wear on tools helps create a comparative body of data for early hominin use of tools.

A small capuchin monkey is holding a rock with one hand and using the other hand to hold a seed on a stone on the ground
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The earliest stone toolmakers had some technological sophistication

Several studies consider the stone flaking decisions necessary for Oldowan tool manufacture.