Microbial biomarkers reveal a hydrothermally active landscape at Olduvai Gorge at the dawn of the Acheulean, 1.7 Ma
Abstract
Molecular fossil biomarkers illuminate a geothermally active oasis landscape at Olduvai Gorge 1.7 Ma at the emergence of the Acheulean technology. This study on the local paleolandscape reveals a mosaic ecosystem with great biodiversity, rivers, edible resources, and hydrothermal features. Evidence of hydrothermalism was found near sites intensively used by early hominins. The geothermal activity described here may have influenced the use of the space at Olduvai Gorge and may have provided advantages, such as cooking, which has not been previously contemplated in the context of human evolution.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- October 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2004532117
- Bibcode:
- 2020PNAS..11724720S
- Keywords:
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- Olduvai Gorge;
- thermophiles;
- biomarkers;
- paleoenvironment;
- hydrothermalism