What is a key characteristic of Mode 1 tools?

The key characteristic of Mode 1 tools is their simple, crude forms. This classification refers to the earliest stone tools used by hominins, primarily during the Oldowan period. These tools are characterized by their basic shapes and rudimentary designs, which reflect the functional needs of early humans for basic tasks such as cutting and processing food. Mode 1 tools typically include simple flakes and cores that were created through a process of knapping, where stones were struck together to produce sharp edges.

The simplicity of Mode 1 tools is indicative of the time period in which they were developed, reflecting an early stage of technological innovation in human evolution. Their effectiveness lies not in sophistication but in their utility for survival, enabling early hominins to carry out essential activities. This contrasts with the other options, which refer to more advanced and specialized tools that developed later in human prehistory.