Significance of Ecological Factors in the Middle to Upper Paleolithic Transition

• DOI: 10.1086/656185
• Publication Date: 2010-09-28T20:51:00Z
• Authors: Liubov Vitaliena ...; Vladimir Borisovi...; Naomi Elansia Cle...; Marianna Alekseev...; Tatiana Valentino...; M. Steven Shackley
• Keywords: Neanderthal; Upper Paleolithic; Middle Paleolithic; Lineage (genetic); Vulcanian eruption

For the first time, we have identified evidence that disappearance of Neanderthals in Caucasus coincides with a volcanic eruption at about 40,000 BP. Our data support hypothesis Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition western Eurasia correlates global volcanogenic catastrophe. The coeval eruptions (from large Campanian Ignimbrite smaller Central Caucasus) had an unusually sudden and devastating effect on ecology forced fast extreme climate deterioration ("volcanic winter") Northern Hemisphere beginning Heinrich Event 4. Given from Mezmaiskaya Cave supporting other sites across Europe, guess Neanderthal lineage truncated abruptly after this catastrophe most its range. We also propose significant advantage early modern humans over contemporary was geographic localization more southern parts Africa. Thus, avoided much direct impact European crisis. They may further benefited population vacuum Europe major technological social innovations, whose revolutionary appearance shortly BP documents Paleolithic.