New research published in Science Advances sheds light on the migration patterns of early humans from Africa into Europe and Asia. Scientists from the University of Kansas, USA, conducted an extensive pollen analysis to better understand the environmental conditions that facilitated this migration.
The study focused on the Pleistocene period, which spans from approximately two million to 11 thousand years ago, corresponding to the time of human evolution. By comparing vegetation communities around Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, to the oldest archaeological traces of Homo sapiens in the region, researchers aimed to uncover the environmental factors that influenced early human migration.
The pollen data revealed that warming temperatures supported the expansion of forests into Siberia during the late Pleistocene period, which created favorable conditions for early human migration. This period of dispersal occurred during a time of higher temperatures and increased humidity, as indicated by the ancient pollen records. The region featured coniferous forests and grasslands that supported foraging and hunting by humans.
One of the key findings of the study was the correlation between environmental changes and shifts in human culture and behavior. As early humans adapted to new environments, their behavior and cognition evolved. This period marked significant changes in the archaeological record, including the development of stone tools, bone crafting, cave paintings, mobile art, and inventive sculptures.
The research challenges some recent archaeological perspectives in Europe, emphasizing the importance of accurate dating, not only of human fossils but also of environmental records, including pollen data. By combining these datasets, scientists gain a more comprehensive understanding of early human migration patterns and the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment.
The study’s findings provide critical insights into the environmental conditions that early Homo sapiens faced during their migration into Europe and Asia around 40,000 to 50,000 years ago. This multidisciplinary approach, combining pollen analysis with archaeological evidence, enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between humans and their surroundings during a pivotal period in human history.
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