The success of humans, particularly in comparison to other species with larger size and physical strength, can be attributed to several unique characteristics and evolutionary advantages. Even before the development of sophisticated tools, early humans possessed traits and abilities that helped them survive and thrive:
Cognitive Abilities: Humans have highly developed cognitive abilities, including complex problem-solving, memory, and the capacity for abstract thinking. These mental faculties allowed early humans to adapt to various challenges in their environment, such as finding food, shelter, and protection from predators.
Communication and Language: Humans are adept at communication through language. The ability to convey abstract ideas, coordinate activities, share knowledge, and pass on experiences through spoken language was a significant advantage for early human communities.
Social Cooperation: Early humans lived in groups and relied on social cooperation for survival. By working together, sharing resources, and dividing tasks based on individuals' strengths, early humans could tackle tasks beyond their individual abilities.
Bipedalism: The evolution of bipedalism (walking on two legs) freed up human hands, enabling them to carry objects, create and use simple tools, and manipulate the environment more effectively.
Tool Use and Innovation: Though you mentioned "before humans had tools," it's worth noting that humans have been using basic tools for millions of years. The use of simple tools, such as rocks for cutting and bones for digging, significantly enhanced their ability to hunt, gather, and process food.
Fire Control: Early humans learned to control fire, which provided warmth, protection, and a means to cook food. This innovation extended their geographical range and reduced dependency on raw, hard-to-digest foods.
Adaptability and Learning: Humans have a remarkable capacity for learning and adapting to various environments. This adaptability allowed them to spread across diverse landscapes and climates, increasing their chances of survival.
Curiosity and Exploration: Human curiosity and the drive to explore new territories likely played a role in their ability to discover and utilize resources more effectively.
Slow Reproduction and Parental Care: Unlike many other species, humans have relatively slow reproductive rates and require significant parental care for their offspring. This investment in child-rearing promotes strong family and community bonds, contributing to group survival.
Problem-Solving and Creativity: Human ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and creativity helped them overcome challenges and develop innovative solutions for survival.
It's essential to recognize that the early human journey was marked by numerous struggles and challenges. Their success was not without setbacks, and many species of early humans did go extinct over time. However, the human lineage experienced remarkable adaptability and resilience, leading to the eventual development of advanced technologies and civilizations.
As humans evolved, their capacity to create and utilize increasingly sophisticated tools and technologies further propelled their dominance as a species, culminating in the modern technological age and a global civilization.