A groundbreaking discovery in archaeology reveals whale bone tools dating back 20,000 years in the Basque cave of Isturitz, France.The study, led by a collaborative team, sheds light on early human interactions with marine life and resource utilization.Whale bone objects suggest ancient humans crafted tools from whale remains for purposes beyond consumption.The research utilized advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify whale species and date the artefacts.Discoveries include evidence of ancient whale species, highlighting biodiversity shifts over time in the Bay of Biscay.This study challenges assumptions about Paleolithic societies' adaptability and resourcefulness in manipulating marine resources.It emphasizes early humans' ingenuity in exploiting environmental resources, including those from marine ecosystems.Insights into ancient whale ecology provide a deeper understanding of species interactions and environmental changes over millennia.The research underscores the importance of integrating modern scientific methods into archaeological inquiries, such as ZooMS.This study prompts reflection on human-environment relationships and the lessons for sustainable practices from our ancestors.