What characteristic is crucial for tool use in early hominins?

The characteristic crucial for tool use in early hominins is opposable thumbs and dexterity. This feature allows for a strong grip and fine motor skills, which are essential for manipulating tools effectively. The ability to grasp and manipulate objects with precision is what distinguishes tool-using species from those that do not use tools.

Openness in the thumb allows it to touch the fingers, enabling a pinching grip that is vital for holding and using tools. As early hominins began to create and use tools for various tasks, such as cutting, hunting, and foraging more efficiently, the evolutionary advantage of having dexterous hands with opposable thumbs became apparent. This development likely contributed to the survival and adaptability of early hominins in changing environments.