Africa’s large mammal heritage has formed a deep cultural legacy for all of humankind.
That humans originated in Africa is widely accepted. But it’s not generally recognised how unique features of Africa’s ecology were responsible for the crucial evolutionary transitions from forest-inhabiting fruit-eater to savanna-dwelling hunter. These were founded on earth movements and aided physically by Africa’s seasonal aridity, bedrock-derived soils and absence of barriers to movements between north and south.
Ape-men Starting during the late Miocene, around 10 million years ago, a plume of molten magma, hot liquid material from deep inside the Earth, pushed eastern parts of Africa upward. This led to rifting of the Earth’s crust, volcanic eruptions and soils enriched in mineral nutrients from the lava and ash. Grassy savannas spread and animals adapted increasingly to graze this vegetation component.
These first humans thus became scavengers on animal left-overs. They most probably exploited a time window around midday when the killers – mainly sabre-tooth cats – were resting, before hyenas arrived nocturnally to devour the leftovers. Walking upright freed their arms to carry bones away to be processed in safe sites to augment the plant-based dietary staples.
A division of labour came about. Men hunted; women gathered plant parts. This required a home base and more elaborate forms of communication about planned excursions, laying the foundations for language.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia renews large-scale missile attacks across UkraineRussia has sent Ukrainians racing for cover with a rush-hour missile barrage, killing 11, the day after Kyiv secured Western pledges of dozens of modern battlefield tanks to try to push back the Russian invasion.
Read more »
Diamonds to face New Zealand in Quad Series final after beating South AfricaAustralia and New Zealand will face off in yet another netball final after the Diamonds beat South Africa and Silver Ferns kept England winless.
Read more »
Australia down South Africa to remain unbeaten and move into Quad Series finalThe Diamonds and New Zealand will face off in the final of netball’s Quad Series in South Africa, after both sides won their last round-robin match
Read more »
Police issue Australia Day safety warningPolice are urging members of the public to mark Australia Day 'in a safe and responsible way', as swathes of revellers are expected to gather across the country tomorrow.
Read more »
Wild storms lash the east coast, causing flooding, rescues and evacuationsThousands of lightning strikes were seen across Sydney last night as storms shook the city. It comes as wild weather continues to lash Australia's east coast, causing flash flooding, rescues and thousands of homes to lose power. 9News READ MORE:
Read more »
Heatwave, thunderstorm threats persistHazardous storms are forecast to impact areas north of Sydney in coming days, with authorities warning affected residents to stay away from windows in case lightning strikes. 9News
Read more »