Earliest Human Activity in Northern Europe Confirmed

  • Thread starter Andre
  • Start date
  • Tags
    even
In summary, bio-archaeologists from the University of York used a unique protein analysis technique to confirm that primitive stone tools discovered in Suffolk dated back around 700,000 years, 200,000 years earlier than any other evidence of human presence in Northern Europe. This discovery has important implications for our understanding of human evolution and migration, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in studying our past.
  • #1
Andre
4,311
74
So another 200,000 years has been added to human presence in the UK:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-12/uoy-bpo121505.php

Bio-archaeologists pinpoint oldest northern European human activity

Scientists at the University of York used a 'protein time capsule' to confirm the earliest record of human activity in Northern Europe.
A team of bio-archaeologists from York were able to provide the final piece of scientific evidence which confirmed that primitive stone tools discovered in East Anglia dated back around 700,000 years – 200,000 years earlier than any other traces of human colonisation of northern latitudes. ...cont'd
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #3
The discovery, made at Pakefield in Suffolk, was described as one of the most important finds in British prehistory when it was announced in 2005. It was made by a team from the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain (AHOB) project, led by scientists at the Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies at the University of Cambridge.

The site yielded over 70 flint tools, including handaxes, flakes and cores, which were found in sediments that had been deposited before the Anglian glaciation, which lasted from 478,000 to 424,000 years ago. However, until now, the dating of the tools had been based on geological evidence and the precise age had been uncertain.

The York team, led by Professor Matthew Collins and Dr Kirsty Penkman, used a technique called 'collagen fingerprinting' to provide a more accurate age for the tools. Collagen is a protein found in bones and teeth, and its structure is unique to each species. By analyzing the collagen in the bones of animals found at the site, the researchers were able to determine the age of the sediments in which they were found, and therefore the age of the tools.

The results showed that the tools were indeed 700,000 years old, making them the earliest evidence of human presence in Northern Europe. This pushes back the date of first human occupation of Britain by 200,000 years, and adds another 200,000 years to the known human presence in the UK.

The findings have important implications for our understanding of human evolution and migration. The presence of humans in Northern Europe at this time suggests that early humans were able to adapt to different environments and climates, and were more mobile and adaptable than previously thought. It also raises questions about how these early humans were able to survive in such a harsh and cold environment.

The discovery of the Pakefield tools and the confirmation of their age has opened up new avenues for research into human evolution and the spread of humans throughout the world. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between different scientific disciplines in order to fully understand our past and the origins of humanity.
 

1. What is the significance of the discovery of earliest human activity in Northern Europe?

The discovery of earliest human activity in Northern Europe is significant because it provides crucial information about the migration and dispersal of humans in the region during the Paleolithic era. This helps us understand the evolution and development of early human societies and their interactions with the environment.

2. How was the earliest human activity in Northern Europe confirmed?

The earliest human activity in Northern Europe was confirmed through the analysis of ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating of artifacts found at the site. This allowed researchers to accurately determine the age of the artifacts and identify the species of humans present in the region at the time.

3. What species of humans were present during the earliest human activity in Northern Europe?

The DNA analysis revealed that the earliest human activity in Northern Europe was carried out by Homo sapiens, our direct ancestors. This suggests that they were the first species to colonize the region during the Paleolithic era.

4. What do the artifacts found at the site tell us about the earliest human activity in Northern Europe?

The artifacts found at the site provide evidence of advanced tool-making and hunting techniques, indicating that early humans were highly skilled and adaptable. They also suggest that these early humans had the ability to travel long distances and were able to survive in harsh environments.

5. What impact does this discovery have on our understanding of human history?

The confirmation of earliest human activity in Northern Europe has a significant impact on our understanding of human history. It fills in a crucial gap in our knowledge about the migration patterns and behaviors of early humans. This discovery also challenges previous theories about the timing and routes of human migration, providing new insights into the evolution of our species.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top