Final answer:
Stone tool traditions changed over time, starting with the Oldowan tools used by Homo habilis, followed by the emergence of more sophisticated Acheulean tools, then the development of Mousterian tools, and finally the shift to blade tools during the Upper Paleolithic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stone tool traditions we discussed changed over time in several ways. Initially, the Oldowan tools were used by Homo habilis around 2.6 million years ago. These tools were simple stones that were sharpened and used for cutting, scraping, and butchering meat. Around 1.7 million years ago, the Acheulean tools emerged, which were more sophisticated and included hand-axes. Over time, the Mousterian tools developed, which were smaller hand-axes made from stone flakes and were used for cutting, scraping, and serving as spearheads. Later, during the Upper Paleolithic, humans shifted to the manufacture of blade tools, which were more efficient and had a longer cutting edge. The Neolithic period saw further changes in stone tool use, with the development of grinding tools for food processing and the utilization of stone for construction purposes. Overall, the stone tool traditions evolved and became more specialized over time.