[laglad]

Is there a link between being 'anatomically modern' (as you describe it) and the propensity to develop tools/culture?

[themgt]

The link, I believe, seems weaker than once imagined. Here's a handful more papers/discussion adding to the complexity: http://dienekes.blogspot.com/2012/07/can-we-retire-60000-yea...

Simple answer is I don't think there's any consensus, but a radically novel view is beginning to emerge, being aided hugely by our newfound ability to genetically sequence ancient fossils.