Jan. 16, 2025
Early humans adapted to harsh conditions more than a million years ago
不良研究所, AB 鈥 A long-standing question about when archaic members of the genus Homo adapted to harsh environments such as deserts and rainforests has been answered in a new research paper.
The , published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, finds it was earlier than originally thought.
鈥淲e reveal how early humans 鈥 known as hominins 鈥 were able to thrive under harsh conditions.鈥
Lead author Dr. , PhD, professor in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science at U不良研究所
The multidisciplinary analysis by researchers at U不良研究所, the University of Manitoba and 17 other institutions around the world shows Homo erectus adapted more than a million years ago 鈥 long before our species, Homo sapiens, emerged.
鈥淭hings like extreme climate change leading to desertification would have been really difficult for hominins to survive. What we discovered in the study is that, in fact, we find plenty of evidence for hominin activity under environmental conditions 鈥 so climate, vegetation 鈥 that suggest really hot and dry periods.鈥
Co-author Dr. , PhD, professor in the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment in the Faculty of Science and a in global systems modelling
Kaplan says the study is important because it helps us to learn about who we are and where we come from.
鈥淚t is a contribution to a better understanding of our planet and humans鈥 role in it.鈥
Both researchers add that the paper is also important because it brought together a broad range of experts 鈥 from archaeologists and biogeochemists to paleoclimate specialists 鈥 to produce some ground-breaking research.
鈥淚t illustrates how modern climate research works,鈥 says Mercader. 鈥淚t is a model for addressing the science of past and present-day climate science research.鈥
Media inquiries
Colette Derworiz
Senior External Communications Specialist, Faculty of Science
University of 不良研究所
403-815-1556
colette.derworiz@ucalgary.ca
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