The Oldest Anatomically Modern Humans from Far Southeast Europe
Author Information
Author(s): Prat Sandrine, Péan Stéphane C., Crépin Laurent, Drucker Dorothée G., Puaud Simon J., Valladas Hélène, Lázničková-Galetová Martina, van der Plicht Johannes, Yanevich Alexander
Primary Institution: Laboratoire Dynamique de l'Evolution Humaine/UPR 2147, CNRS, Paris, France
Hypothesis
What is the evidence for the presence of Anatomically Modern Humans in Eastern Europe during the Upper Paleolithic?
Conclusion
The study provides the oldest direct evidence of Anatomically Modern Humans in far southeastern Europe, dated to approximately 31,900 years ago.
Supporting Evidence
- The human remains were found in a well-documented Upper Paleolithic stratum.
- The remains were radiocarbon dated to 31,900 years ago.
- Cut marks on the bones suggest post-mortem treatment.
- The findings contribute to understanding the spread of modern humans in Europe.
- The study highlights the cultural behaviors of early modern humans.
Takeaway
Scientists found very old human bones in Ukraine that show early modern humans lived there a long time ago and treated their dead in special ways.
Methodology
The study used a multidisciplinary approach including taxonomy, paleoecology, taphonomy, geomorphology, stratigraphy, archeology, and radiocarbon dating.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the limited sample size and the specific context of the archaeological site.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single archaeological site, which may not represent broader patterns of human behavior in the region.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on human remains attributed to at least five individuals of different developmental age groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
31,900+240/−220
Confidence Interval
95.4% (2 σ) Cal age ranges: 35,488–35,980
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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