Early humans adapted to harsh conditions more than a million years ago

Calgary, AB – A long-standing question about when archaic members of the genus Homo adapted to harsh environments such as deserts and rainforests has been answered in a new research paper.

The study, published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, finds it was earlier than originally thought.

“We reveal how early humans – known as hominins – were able to thrive under harsh conditions.”

Lead author Dr. Julio Mercader, PhD, professor in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science at UCalgary

The multidisciplinary analysis by researchers at UCalgary, the University of Manitoba and 17 other institutions around the world shows Homo erectus adapted more than a million years ago – long before our species, Homo sapiens, emerged.

“Things like extreme climate change leading to desertification would have been really difficult for hominins to survive. What we discovered in the study is that, in fact, we find plenty of evidence for hominin activity under environmental conditions – so climate, vegetation – that suggest really hot and dry periods.” 

Co-author Dr. Jed Kaplan, PhD, professor in the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment in the Faculty of Science and a Canada Research Chair in global systems modelling

Kaplan says the study is important because it helps us to learn about who we are and where we come from.
“It is a contribution to a better understanding of our planet and humans’ role in it.”
Both researchers add that the paper is also important because it brought together a broad range of experts – from archaeologists and biogeochemists to paleoclimate specialists – to produce some ground-breaking research.
“It illustrates how modern climate research works,” says Mercader. “It is a model for addressing the science of past and present-day climate science research.”

Media inquiries

Colette Derworiz
Senior External Communications Specialist, Faculty of Science
University of Calgary
403-815-1556
colette.derworiz@ucalgary.ca

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