Whether Homo habilis represents the first species that used tools is still debated. It is argued that earlier tools could have been produced using organic materials, not the stone that characterized the tools of H. habilis. Examine the likelihood of whether or not perishable organic tools could have been produced by species that preceded H. habilis. You may want to consider some of the tools used by nonhuman primates and contemporary band-level societies to support your argument.​

The likelihood of perishable organic tools being produced by species that preceded Homo habilis is quite high. Nonhuman primates, such as chimpanzees, have been observed using tools made from organic materials such as sticks and leaves for various purposes, including foraging and grooming. This suggests that the ability to create and use organic tools predates the emergence of Homo habilis.

Additionally, contemporary band-level societies, such as the Hadza of Tanzania, also use a variety of organic tools for hunting, gathering, and other daily activities. These tools are often made from materials such as wood, bone, and plant fibers, and are effective for their intended purposes.

Given these examples, it is reasonable to assume that earlier hominin species could have also utilized perishable organic tools. The use of organic materials for tool production would have provided early hominins with a versatile and readily available resource for creating tools to meet their needs. Therefore, while the debate about the first species to use tools continues, the likelihood of perishable organic tools being used by species preceding Homo habilis is supported by evidence from nonhuman primates and contemporary societies.