Final answer:
The firebrand was used to scare animals, among other things, and was crucial for survival in early human societies by providing warmth, aiding in cooking, manufacturing tools, and fostering social connections.
Thus, the correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The firebrand was likely used to scare animals along with other vital applications in early human societies. Controlled fires were essential for survival, serving functions such as staying warm in cold climates, scaring off predators, cooking meat to make it easier to consume and digest, and aiding in the manufacture of certain tools. For example, wooden spears could be hardened in flames, making them more effective as hunting implements, and certain types of stone could be treated with heat to make them easier to chip and mold. Fire also had a critical social function, as gathering around the heat and light helped build social connections vital for cooperative activities and group survival.
Therefore, the correct option is B) Scare animals.