Researchers Identify Key Moment in Human Evolution 600,000 Years Ago

New study reveals that the rapid advancement in stone tool technology marks the onset of cumulative culture in early humans.

Anthropologists analyzed stone tools from 57 ancient sites, noting a significant increase in complexity around 600,000 years ago.
This period marks the beginning of cumulative culture, where knowledge was passed down and built upon across generations.
The study highlights how this cultural evolution likely influenced human biological and social traits.
Before this period, stone tools were simpler and required fewer steps to produce.
The findings suggest that cumulative culture facilitated rapid technological and cultural advancements in human history.