7 Discoveries that changed the course of human evolution

摘要

These seven discoveries made by our ancestors at different times in the past underpin all subsequent major human discoveries and inventions. Stone tools allowed us to make new wooden tools, and both led to the harvesting of new food resources, while fire enabled us to cook them. More varied and nutritious food fired up our ancestors' brains, leading to new inventions for survival. Baby slings allowed ancient people to move great distances much more easily, eventually leading to long journeys out of Africa by both archaic and modern human groups. Watercraft, at first basic rafts but later more complex vessels, allowed early humans to travel across water as well as land, giving access to new resources such as deep water fish as well as enabling fast journeys over great distances, such as the first human voyages to Australia. Watercraft as transport eventually led to the wheel, trains, motor vehicles and aircraft.