When did thinking start? The Neuroarchaeologists insights.

Thinking is something that humans do, and it is what separates us from animals. But when did thinking evolve? A new study has found that human-like ways of thinking may have evolved as early as 1.8 million years ago. This study was conducted by a Neuroarchaeologist and his team of researchers. They looked at evidence that suggests that more advanced forms of cognition were required to create Acheulean hand axes, but not more straightforward Oldowan tools.

Neuroarchaeology research proves 'Human-like thinking might have evolved around 1.8 million years ago.' 

The research methodology used:

The method used to study was engaging volunteers to craft ancient tools, similarly to how early humans did produce those tools, and observing the volunteer's brain activity while crafting Acheulean hand axes and Oldowan tools.

To test the (Human-like thinking might have evolved around 1.8 million years ago) hypothesis research study involved two groups of volunteers. Further, Neuroarcheologists studied these two groups' brain scans reports while these two groups were on the research task to determine cognitive activity.

At first, these volunteers were taught to create two types of ancient tools, simple Oldowan-era "flake tools" and more complicated Acheulian handaxes. Acheulian handaxes mostly resemble large arrowheads smashing rocks together using a process known as flintknapping. 

First Step:

A. Through verbal instruction via videotape, 15 volunteers were taught to craft both types of tools, Acheulean and Oldowan tools.

B. 16 volunteers were shown videos of how to craft Acheulean and Oldowan tools without sound to learn toolmaking through nonverbal observation. 

These experiments were conducted in the lab of John P. Spencer at the University of Iowa. 

The research results:

1) Oldowan tools: visual attention and motor control were required to create the more straightforward Oldowan tools are what the brain scans image revealed.

2) Acheulean tools: a more significant portion of the brain was engaged in creating the more complex Acheulian tools. The brain regions are associated with integrating visual, auditory, and sensorimotor information, visual working memory guidance, and higher-order action planning.

The cognitive skills needed to create Acheulean hand axes but not simpler Oldowan tools mean that this more 'Human-like type of cognition' can be dated at least 1.8 million years ago. The reason is that the earliest Acheulean hand axes tools were found in the archaeological record at least 1.8 million years ago.

In conclusion, what does this mean for us? Well, it underscores the importance of education and training in critical thinking skills. These are essential tools for navigating today's complex world. And they may be even more important in the future, as we face ever-changing challenges and unprecedented opportunities. So let's embrace learning.

Journal Reference:

Shelby S. Putt, Sobanawartiny Wijeakumar, Robert G. Franciscus, John P. Spencer. The functional brain networks that underlie Early Stone Age tool manufacture. Nature Human Behaviour, 2017; 1: 0102 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-017-0102