Human ancestors used fire one million years ago, archaeologist find

www.physorg.com ^ | 04-02-2012 | Provided by University of Toronto

[Red Badger]

An international team led by the University of Toronto and Hebrew University has identified the earliest known evidence of the use of fire by human ancestors. Microscopic traces of wood ash, alongside animal bones and stone tools, were found in a layer dated to one million years ago at the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa.

"The analysis pushes the timing for the human use of fire back by 300,000 years, suggesting that human ancestors as early as Homo erectus may have begun using fire as part of their way of life," said U of T anthropologist Michael Chazan, co-director of the project and director of U of T's Archaeology Centre.

The research will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on April 2.

Wonderwerk is a massive cave located near the edge of the Kalahari where earlier excavations by Peter Beaumont of the McGregor Museum in Kimberley, South Africa, had uncovered an extensive record of human occupation. A research project, co-directed by U of T's Chazan and Liora Kolska Horwitz of Hebrew University, has been doing detailed analysis of the material from Beaumont's excavation along with renewed field work on the Wonderwerk site. Analysis of sediment by lead authors Francesco Berna and Paul Goldberg of Boston University revealed ashed plant remains and burned bone fragments, both which appear to have been burned locally rather than carried into the cave by wind or water. The researchers also found extensive evidence of surface discoloration that is typical of burning.

"The control of fire would have been a major turning point in human evolution," says Chazan. "The impact of cooking food is well documented, but the impact of control over fire would have touched all elements of human society. Socializing around a camp fire might actually be an essential aspect of what makes us human."

More information: “Microstratigraphic evidence of in situ fire in the Acheulean strata of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape Province, South Africa,” by Francesco Berna et al. PNAS (2012).

[Red Badger]

This is the surveying area outside Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa. Credit: L. Milosavljevic

This is the view from the bottom of the excavated area towards the entrance to Wonderwerk Cave. Credit: R. Yates

This is a panoramic view of the entrance to Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa. Credit: H. Ruther

[Red Badger]

GGG Ping!.......

[freedumb2003]

Thus causing global warming...

Damn tool-users! It is alll your fault!!!!

[wastedyears]

There’s some quite interesting sci-fi concerning the history of man, from Larry Niven as well as the Halo series of video games and books.

[freedumb2003]

As a follow up from the One True Science Text: Science Made Stupid by Tom Weller (slight modification to bring up to date):

The Noble Savage vs. Civilized Man Primitive man lived an idyllic existence, in harmony with nature and his fellows. The advance of civilization exacted a price: as the old ways were replaced by the new, tribal man forgot his ancient natural wisdom.
Among the tribal traditions often displaced by the encroachment of modern society were: slavery subjugation of women fishing by poisoning rivers human sacrifice continuous intertribal warfare hunting by driving herds off cliffs ritual mutilation xenophobia abandonment of the old & dying abandonment of the young cannibalism	Despite these losses, civilization brought many benefits. Among them were: slavery subjugation of women air, water & soil polution organized crime continuous international warfare organized religion fast food traffic street mimes public schools karaoke

[humblegunner]

What’s with the fence?

Arrogant pukes.

[Red Badger]

What’s with the fence?

Bad neighborhood....

[JimSEA]

Homo Erectus was a remarkable fellow. For all the different areas and climates he inhabited fire was essential.

[freedumb2003]

There’s some quite interesting sci-fi concerning the history of man, from Larry Niven as well as the Halo series of video games and books.

"Sci-Fi?"
"Sci-Fi?"
"Sci-Fi?"

When I read Asimov, Heinlein, Pournelle, Ellison, Farmer and others at my mother's knee, I was taught to NEVER say "sci-fi." It is "Science Fiction" thankyouverymuch!

You invite the wrath of Campbell! Look and be terrified (no wait, that is Lovecraft)

;)

PS: I spelled Pournelle's name from memory! No one was more surprised than me I got it right!

[freedumb2003]

>>For all the different areas and climates he inhabited fire was essential.<<

He lived near the railroad tracks?

(I have no idea why, but I am in one of “those” moods...)

[jmacusa]

I think we humans have found a happy blending of the two. (s.)

[humblegunner]

Larry Niven as well as the Halo series of video games and books.

I've read Niven and Pournelle and I still get my butt kicked at Halo.

And there ain't no mote in my eye. Stinkin' Moties.

[enraged]

“Primitive man lived an idyllic existence, in harmony with nature and his fellows”. Funny stuff! Street mimes? Ha ha

Sure, if your ideal is living in near constant starvation and fear of having your head caved in at any moment by “Ugg” the bad ass who lives two caves down. Oh yeah, and no beer!

[ExCTCitizen]

"The control of fire would have been a major turning point in human evolution," says Chazan. "The impact of cooking food is well documented

Controlling Fire its so easy a CAVEMAN can do it...

Now where's the caveman's version of Food network!! :-)

[JimSEA]

Homo Erectus was a remarkable fellow. For all the different areas and climates he inhabited fire was essential.

[JimSEA]

Homo Erectus was a remarkable fellow. For all the different areas and climates he inhabited fire was essential.

[tet68]

Socializing around a camp fire might actually be an essential aspect of what makes us human.”

That and hot water.

Makes me human anyway.

[Names Ash Housewares]

Fire good!

[central_va]

[freedumb2003]