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Man the Termite Hunter Our views of early hominids have changed dramatically over the last 30-40 years. Originally, it was thought that early hominids, including Australopithecines, were meat eaters who learned to hunt animals larger than themselves with a variety of bone, tooth, and antler tools (the Osteodontokeratic culture). Further analysis of the data from a number of South African caves suggested that our ancestors were the victims of carnivores, not the occupants. Now, detailed studies of distinct wear and polish on bones from South Africa suggest that Australopithecines may have used bone tools to "fish" for termites, much as modern chimpanzees do with sticks that they have modified for the purpose.
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