Supervolcano Eruption Possibly Aided Early Human Migration from Africa, Recent Findings Show

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About 74,000 years ago, a super-eruption occurred at Mount Toba in Sumatra, making it one of the largest eruptions in Earth's history. This event potentially caused a significant disruption in the world's climate.

Some scientists previously believed that a volcanic winter caused by an eruption could have led to the extinction of early humans. Genetic evidence indicated a significant decrease in the human population. However, a recent study at an archaeological site in northwest Ethiopia, once inhabited by early modern humans, suggests that the impact may not have been as catastrophic as previously thought.

The new research conducted at the Shinfa-Metema 1 site revealed that humans adapted to the dry conditions following the volcanic eruption. This adaptation may have actually helped facilitate the migration of humanity out of Africa to other parts of the world.

Microscopic fragments of volcanic glass were discovered at the Shinfa-Metema 1 site near Ethiopia's Shinfa River. These fragments were found alongside stone tools and animal remains in the same layer of sediment. This discovery indicates that humans were present at the site both before and after a volcano erupted over 4,000 miles away.

According to John Kappelman, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the lead author of the study published in the journal Nature, these volcanic glass fragments are incredibly small, even less than the diameter of a human hair. Despite their minuscule size, they are still large enough to analyze their chemistry and trace elements.

By analyzing fossils, artifacts, geological data, and molecular evidence found at the site, the team started to uncover how the ancient humans adapted to the climate change caused by the volcanic eruption.

Excavations at the Shinfa-Metema 1 site have revealed that a population of humans survived the eruption of the Mount Toba supervolcano 74,000 years ago.

Excavations at the Shinfa-Metema 1 site have revealed that a population of humans survived the eruption of the Mount Toba supervolcano 74,000 years ago.

John Kappelman and Marsha Miller

Catching fish

Kappelman and his colleagues studied ostrich eggshells and fossilized mammal teeth to learn about the climate during the eruption. By analyzing oxygen and carbon isotopes, they were able to understand water intake and the types of plants the animals consumed, which indicated drier conditions.

Isotopes are found in the hard tissues of animals. For mammals, scientists study their teeth and enamel. Isotopes can also be found in the eggshells of ostriches.

An examination of the plants and animals at the site revealed a large number of fish remains following the eruption. This discovery is interesting because fish are uncommon in other Stone Age sites from that time period, especially considering the site's proximity to the river.

Cambridge Archaeological Unit

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When Toba comes in, people tend to eat more fish. According to a researcher, they are now catching and preparing almost four times the amount of fish as they did before the eruption.

The possible reason for this change is believed to be the increased aridity caused by Toba. This leads to a shorter wet season and a longer dry season, which may explain the shift towards a diet higher in fish.

The team believed that the reason for the increased dependence on fish was due to the drier climate. Surprisingly, as the river dried up, fish became trapped in smaller bodies of water or shallower streams, making them easier targets for hunters.

Blue vs. green corridor

The team theorized that fish-rich water holes may have created a “blue corridor” that early humans used to migrate north out of Africa after the fish were exhausted. This idea challenges other models that suggest humans migrated along “green corridors” during humid periods.

According to Ludovic Slimak, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the University of Toulouse, this study shows how adaptable Homo sapiens populations are. They can easily adjust to different environments, whether extremely humid or extremely dry, even during catastrophic events like the Toba volcano eruption. Slimak was not part of the research team.

The study authors were able to investigate the geology of the ancient riverbed, indicating that it flowed slower and lower than it does today. According to Kappelman, they were able to determine this by examining the size of the cobbles. A river with higher energy levels can transport larger boulders and cobbles compared to a less energetic river. The cobbles found in the ancient river are smaller than those found in the present-day river.

The excavation team was able to build a detailed picture of what happened at the site in Ethiopia around 74,000 years ago.

The excavation team was able to build a detailed picture of what happened at the site in Ethiopia around 74,000 years ago.

Lawrence C. Todd

Oldest known arrowheads?

The researchers found small triangular points at the site, suggesting early use of archery for hunting fish and larger animals. This discovery provides clues about how the site's inhabitants may have hunted.

Slimak, an expert who has studied similar points from France dating back 50,000 years, agreed with the findings of the new study.

Archaeologists and geneticists suggest that ancient humans may have left Africa on several occasions. However, the most important migration of Homo sapiens, our species, occurred between 70,000 to 50,000 years ago. This dispersal ultimately resulted in the presence of modern humans in various parts of the world.

Slimak pointed out that there are clear signs indicating the presence of archery in this area 74,000 years ago. This suggests that the ancient Homo sapiens at that time already possessed advanced technologies, allowing them to overcome natural and climatic challenges. These factors were crucial in understanding their later migrations across different continents and latitudes.

Josephine Schubert/Museum Burg Ranis

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The new research presents a different possible explanation for how humans dispersed, according to Chris Stringer, a professor at the Natural History Museum in London who specializes in human evolution. He described the paper as "intriguing" and believes it will spark debate among experts.

Stringer mentioned that while each proposed scenario in the research may lead to discussions among specialists, he finds the arguments presented by the authors to be reasonable, though not conclusive.

While humid corridors remain crucial for dispersals out of Africa, this new research introduces credible alternatives during drier periods.

Editor's P/S:

The recent study at the Shinfa-Metema 1 site in Ethiopia challenges previous assumptions about the impact of the Mount Toba super-eruption on human populations. The findings suggest that early modern humans adapted to the dry conditions caused by the eruption, utilizing fish as a primary food source and possibly using archery for hunting. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding human dispersal patterns and the resilience of our ancestors in the face of environmental challenges.

The study also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in archaeology, geology, and genetics. By combining evidence from various sources, scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of past events and the complexities of human evolution. It is exciting to consider the implications of this research for our understanding of human history and the potential for future discoveries that may shed light on the origins and migrations of our species. during this period. The finding of increased fish consumption and the possible use of archery suggest that early humans developed innovative strategies to cope with the changing landscape. This research contributes to our understanding of the complex factors that shaped human evolution and dispersal, challenging previous assumptions and opening up new avenues of inquiry.