5An anthropologist studying tool use in early human societies observes that a particular prehistoric site contains 120 stone tools. If 25% are scrapers, 35% are hand axes, and the rest are flakes, and she finds that the frequency of flake usage increased by 40% in the next excavation layer, how many flakes would she expect in a new layer of 180 tools, assuming relative proportions hold?

Sun, 03 May 2026 15:43:52 +0000

5An anthropologist studying tool use in early human societies observes that a particular prehistoric site contains 120 stone tools. Of these, 25% are scrapers, 35% are hand axes, and the remainder are flakes. This distribution reveals inherent patterns in resource extraction and technological adaptation, now receiving renewed interest amid emerging research into prehistoric daily life and cognitive development. The shift in flake frequency by 40% in a deeper excavation layer raises important questions about evolving tool-making behaviors—patterns that resonate with modern discussions about innovation and efficiency in human history. --- ### Why Flakes Matter in Prehistoric Toolkits The recent analysis reveals a notable increase in flake usage at a deeper excavation level, with flakes rising by 40% compared to the 120-tool sample. This trend reflects more than simple repetition—it suggests refined techniques, changing material availability, or shifting functional priorities. Flakes, often overlooked as byproducts, were essential cutting and shaping tools themselves, central to survival and skill transmission. Understanding their growing prevalence helps archaeologists trace cultural shifts, adaptive strategies, and the slow evolution of human ingenuity across generations.