What’s the oldest invention that we still use today?

Asked by: Chris McMullon, Barnham, West Sussex

We tend to think of ‘inventions’ as problem-solving ideas dreamt up by humans. But there’s evidence that we’re still benefiting from inventions consciously made by pre-human species.

Certain types of crow have proved capable of making simple tools like hooks, and are suspected to have done so for several million years, long before we arrived on the scene. Meanwhile, great apes – which include chimpanzees, gorillas and ourselves – are unique in creating a safe place to sleep each day, suggesting that beds and bed-making date back even further.

Read more:

• What’s the oldest species alive on Earth?
• What was the first ever language?

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