The exceptional archaeological record of Olduvai Gorge has been central to interpretations of early human behavior. However, many models rely on a progressive evolutionary framework and homologous analogies from chimpanzees and other primates, despite their anatomical and adaptive divergence from early Homo. The conflicting interpretations that arise highlight the limitations of these models, which often depict hominins with behaviors undocumented in extant mammals. Additionally, the tendency to conceptualize humans as unique has hindered our understanding of early human behavior.

We propose a different approach, focusing on ecological rather than phylogenetic comparisons. By emphasizing shared anatomical, physiological, and behavioral patterns with organisms adapted to similar environments, we provide a novel perspective on early human behavior. This comparative behavioral ecology framework offers a more empirically grounded and testable way to interpret Oldowan sites. It moves beyond anthropocentric assumptions and allows for the formulation of null hypotheses that had not been previously considered. Our approach reframes early human behavior within the broader context of ecological adaptation, providing insights that align early Homo with other similarly adapted organisms rather than isolating them from the rest of the organic world.