A new study led by Professor Julio Mercader Florin examined how Homo erectus thrived in complex landscapes. The study shows that early humans were truly remarkable at adapting to their environment. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers from the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba, and 17 other global institutions examined archaeological and ecological evidence from Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania.
"We show how early humans — known as hominins — were able to thrive in harsh environments," Mercader said.
Cradle of Humanity
Olduvai Gorge, often called the "cradle of humanity," has yielded a wealth of archaeological finds over the years. Mercader's team found evidence that Homo erectus repeatedly returned to certain locations in the landscape over thousands of years, implying strategic use of resources.
"By doing archaeology, we can see that Homo erectus "recurringly returning to the same spot in the landscape for millennia," Mercader explained. "This is not a one-time camp. There is a thickness of archaeological remains and fossil accumulation that tells us that the species targeted a very specific point in the landscape to do what they came here to do."
A look into East Africa's harsh past
To reconstruct environmental conditions during the time Homo erectus , the research team used advanced modeling techniques. Study co-author Jed Kaplan, Canada Research Chair in Global Systems Modeling at the University of Calgary, modeled landscapes of East Africa to analyze the climate, vegetation, and environmental stresses faced by early humans.
"Things like extreme climate change that led to desertification would have been really difficult for hominins to survive," Kaplan said. "What we found in our study is that we actually find a lot of evidence of hominin activity in environmental conditions — like climate, vegetation — that point to really hot and dry periods."
These discoveries challenge previous assumptions that early humans avoided extreme conditions. Instead Homo erectus, seems to have demonstrated an amazing ability to adapt to diverse and often inhospitable conditions.
Human adaptation beyond expectations
The study shows that Homo erectus had an adaptive capacity comparable to modern humans, who appeared 200-000 years ago and spread across a variety of environments, from Arctic tundra to tropical forests.
"It's well known that by the time modern humans get onto the landscape, we're really capable of adapting. We're not only spreading out in Africa, but we're starting to populate all these really different environments - from the Arctic tundra to the Sahara Desert to the rainforests and everything in between," Kaplan explained.
The study suggests that the ability to survive in extreme conditions was not unique to Homo sapiens Kaplan noted that Homo erectus not only inhabited a variety of ecosystems, from rainforests to deserts, but also likely demonstrated advanced skills such as toolmaking, resource management, and perhaps even boat building to cross ocean straits.
Communication and innovation
While it remains unclear whether Homo erectus spoke language, Kaplan suggested that they may have communicated in other ways, helping them find vital resources such as water, tool-making materials, or firewood. Such behavior highlights their intelligence and ability for complex cooperation, laying the foundation for their eventual success. Homo sapiens.
"It is still unknown whether they could speak or had language, but it is possible they could have communicated in other ways to find resources such as water or stones for making tools or fire," Kaplan said.
Understanding human evolution
The study's findings have profound implications for understanding human evolution and adaptability. By demonstrating that Homo erectus could thrive in a variety of extreme environments, the study expands our understanding of early human resilience and survival strategies.
“This is a contribution to a better understanding of our planet and the role of humans on it,” Kaplan said.
The interdisciplinary nature of the study, which involved experts in archaeology, paleoclimatology, and biogeochemistry, highlights the value of collaboration in addressing complex questions about the past.
"This illustrates how modern climate research works," Mercader said. "It's a model for studying past and present climate research."
A new look at human adaptation
This research changes our understanding of early human abilities. Long before the emergence of modern humans Homo erectus demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, thriving in environments ranging from arid deserts to lush rainforests. The findings highlight the adaptability of one of humanity's most remarkable ancestors, offering valuable insights into how humans came to inhabit nearly every corner of the planet. By bringing together evidence from across scientific disciplines, the researchers have provided a vivid glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors, confirming their resourcefulness and laying the foundation for further exploration of the human evolutionary journey. The study is published in the journal Nature Communications Earth&Environment.