Understanding ancient hominin dispersals using artefactual data: a phylogeographic analysis of Acheulean handaxes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reconstructing the dispersal patterns of extinct hominins remains a challenging but essential goal. One means of supplementing fossil evidence is to utilize archaeological evidence in the form of stone tools. Based on broad dating patterns, it has long been thought that the appearance of Acheulean handaxe technologies outside of Africa was the result of hominin dispersals, yet independent tests of this hypothesis remain rare. Cultural transmission theory leads to a prediction of a strong African versus non-African phylogeographic pattern in handaxe datasets, if the African Acheulean hypothesis is to be supported.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, this prediction is tested using an intercontinental dataset of Acheulean handaxes and a biological phylogenetic meth

SUBMITTER: Lycett SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2756619 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature