Question

Look at the diagram showing the positive feedback mechanism. Can you list the inputs that went into tool making? What were the processes that were strengthened by tool making?

Answer 1

In the diagram, we have lines of two types. The inward pointing lines indicate the ‘inputs’, whereas the outward pointing lines indicate ‘processes’ that were, in turn, strengthened by tool making. Considering the inward pointing lines, we have enlisted (below) the inputs that facilitated the tool making process.

1. Increase in the size and capacity of brain: Overtime, the continuous evolution of human beings has witnessed the increase in brain size along with its increased thinking capacity. This directly led to the development of the basic intelligence, which in turn boosted the problem-solving skills of the early man. With better intelligence, he could now design newer weapons and tools for self-defence, killing animals and gathering food for his subsistence.

2. Upright walking: Once the early man started walking upright, his front limbs got free. This helped him utilise those extra limbs for making tools and using them.

3. Visual surveillance: With the development of the skills of visual surveillance (or simply observation powers), the early man could now understand and keep a track of the events happening around him and, accordingly, could prepare himself by making proper tools that could withstand similar events.

4. Hands freed for using tools and carrying infants and objects: As the early man started walking upright, his forelimbs got free. He started using his hands to carry his infants and objects such as tools, utensils, etc. In addition, it also led him to use his tools with more pressure and force.

Now, let us consider the outward pointing lines. The processes that were strengthened by tool making are mentioned below.

1. Increase in size and capacity of brain: The tool making process, in turn, enhanced the technical know-how of the early man. This also infused the power to think, concentrate, understand and memorise. All these developments further increased the capacity of early man’s brain.

2. Upright walking: It enabled the early man to use hands for making, carrying and using tools. This further added to his potential and got him extra hands to do a lot more things than he did previously.

3. Visual surveillance: With more analytical and observatory powers, the early man developed enhanced tools and weapons. Simultaneously, he could now undertake the journey to exploit the unexplored tracks for food.