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Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science pp 1–2Cite as

Advanced Tool Use

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Synonyms

Utilization of complex instruments

Definition

The ability to develop and utilize objects, such as long blades and primitive sickles in order to better hunt, process prey, and survive.

Introduction

It is believed that the first Homo sapiens tools were originally developed approximately 250,000 years ago. Tools developed within this timeframe lacked the characteristics that would classify them as advanced. Advanced tools, and their use, is believed to have begun roughly 100,000 years ago. Examples of these tools include spears with spearheads, longer blades, and sickles. These are considered to be improvements and demonstrate a higher process of thought among Homo sapiens.

The Importance of Advanced Tool Use and Its Practicality

Advanced tool use is a very important milestone in evolution. The departure from primitive tools, i.e., clubs, primitive spears, is an important distinction with regard to Homo sapiens. Prior to the development of advanced tools, tools were quite...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. SUNY New Paltz, Milton, NY, USA

    Nicholas Primavera

Authors
  1. Nicholas Primavera
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicholas Primavera .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Todd K. Shackelford

  2. Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford

Section Editor information

  1. Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY, USA

    Haley Dillon

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Primavera, N. (2018). Advanced Tool Use. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_318-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_318-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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