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The first use of tools Another important technological step in the evolution of man, was his ability to mould and shape the environment, so that it would be of use to him. He did this by making tools out of sticks, pebbles and stones. These primitive advances were the first, baby steps to the techno-crazy world we live in today. Just think...if Australopithecus africanus hadn't figured out how to turn that first pebble into something useful, we may not be where we are at this moment...no cars, no computers, no Thinkquest! The prehistoric tools that we are aware of today can be divided into roughly two sections: 1. The Oldowan Tool Tradition Tools from this tradition date from 2.5 - 1.5 million years ago. The tools are associated with Homo Habilis, although there is some speculation that some of the tools found were used by Australopithecus africanus... 2. The Acheulean Tool Tadition This tradition appears to have replaced the Oldowan tradition, and specimens believed to belong to this tradition date from 1.5 million years ago, to about 200 000 years ago. It is generally accepted the these tools were used by Homo erectus... This section of our site also takes a look at the relationship between brain size and tools