The evolution of human culture during the later Pleistocene: Using fauna to test models on the emergence and nature of “modern” human behavior

摘要: Abstract It has often been argued that the success and spread of modern humans ∼50,000 years ago was due to a series key behavioral shifts conferred particular adaptive advantages. And yet, particularly during African Middle Stone Age (MSA), some these “modern” behaviors see only patchy expression across time space. Recent models have proposed link between emergence environmental degradation and/or demographic stress. Under models, represent form social/economic intensification in response stress; if this were case, signs subsistence should be more common periods which are manifested than when they not. In order test I analyzed faunal remains from Sibudu Cave (South Africa), focusing on Howieson’s Poort (HP), phase evidenced, post-HP MSA, classical signatures such behavior disappeared. Significant variability hunting identified. While much appears correspond with changes local environment, evidence for resource stress HP. The implications results our understanding evolution human culture discussed.