The discovery of fossil fragments from Homo erectus on the seafloor between Indonesia’s islands has shed new light on human evolution. For the first time, fossils from this species have been found below the surface, providing evidence of their migration and settlement in the region during a time when sea levels were low.
Led by archaeologist Harold Berghuis, an investigation found that land bridges once connected the islands, allowing early humans to walk between them. Fossils of Homo erectus skull fragments revealed they hunted bovine ancestors and extracted bone marrow, showcasing their resourceful hunting strategies.
The Indonesian region of Sundaland was a fertile ground for human settlement during the glacial period 140,000 years ago. The area featured lowland savannahs with dry grasslands, forests, and animals such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the life of Homo erectus in this region.
Berghuis believes that early humans likely settled near riverbanks due to the abundance of resources provided by large perennial rivers. They would have gathered food from trees, caught fish, and even used mussel shells as tools. The new findings suggest that they also hunted river turtles and terrestrial animals, further highlighting their adaptability.
The presence of Homo erectus fossils on the seafloor could indicate the transfer of hunting methods between species, including potential interbreeding with modern human species such as Denisovans and Neanderthals. This discovery marks a significant shift in human evolution, showcasing the early hominids’ ability to hunt and survive.
The late Middle Pleistocene age of the site offers valuable insights into hominin evolution during this period. As sea levels rose, land bridges were submerged, but the dredging operation has provided an unprecedented window into the life of Homo erectus in Indonesia.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a64838465/homo-erectus-java