* Limited evidence: We have much less direct evidence of language and tool use in early hominids than we do for more recent ones.
* Evolutionary spectrum: Hominid evolution wasn't a linear progression. Different species developed unique adaptations, and some traits may have evolved independently in different branches.
However, Homo sapiens are widely considered to have the most advanced tool-making abilities and language of any known hominid. Here's why:
* Complex tool use: Modern humans demonstrate highly sophisticated tool use, including intricate machinery, complex technology, and the ability to adapt tools for specific tasks.
* Spoken language: We possess a unique capacity for complex, symbolic, and abstract language, which allows for sophisticated communication, storytelling, and cultural transmission.
* Evolutionary trajectory: Our ancestors, such as Homo habilis and Homo erectus, exhibited increasing tool complexity and likely some form of communication, but their abilities were less advanced than modern humans.
Important note: While we can identify some early hominids with specific tool-making skills (like the Acheulean handaxe of Homo erectus), it's crucial to remember that language leaves little direct fossil evidence. We can only infer its development through indirect means like brain size, anatomical structures, and symbolic behavior.