A groundbreaking study has shattered the long-held assumption that humans struggled to survive in rainforests. Researchers have found evidence that early humans thrived in the rainforests of Côte d’Ivoire over 150,000 years ago.
The discovery is significant because it challenges the traditional view of human adaptability and suggests that our ancestors lived in a more diverse range of environments than previously thought. The study, published in Nature, reveals that humans were living in African rainforests at least 150,000 years ago, which is more than double the previous estimate.
The researchers used advanced dating techniques, including Optically Stimulated Luminescence and Electron-Spin Resonance, to determine the age of the site. They also analyzed sediment samples for pollen, phytoliths, and leaf wax isotopes, which indicated that the region was heavily wooded with humid West African rainforests.
The tools found at the site are believed to have been used by early humans, but some researchers suggest that other animals, such as monkeys, may also have made similar tools. However, the study’s lead author, Professor Eleanor Scerri, emphasizes that the evidence points to human activity in the region.
“This exciting discovery is the first of a long list as there are other Ivorian sites waiting to be investigated to study the human presence associated with rainforest,” said Professor Guédé. The study highlights the complexity of human history and suggests that our ancestors were more adaptable than previously thought.
The findings have implications for our understanding of human evolution and the impact of early human activity on the environment. As researchers continue to explore these ancient sites, they may uncover new insights into the lives of our earliest ancestors.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/lost-in-the-rainforest-for-150000-years-the-discovery-that-rewrites-human-history