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Older age becomes common late in human evolution.
1Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109-1092, USA. rcaspari@umich.edu
Summary
Human longevity increased significantly throughout evolution, with a dramatic rise in the Early Upper Paleolithic. This enhanced survivorship likely fueled population growth and cultural innovation.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Demography
Background:
- Human life history is unique among primates due to increased longevity.
- Extended adult lifespan is hypothesized to be a key factor in human cultural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing of longevity changes in human evolution.
- To assess the demographic impact of increased adult survivorship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dental samples from four successive hominid periods.
- Assessment of older-to-younger adult ratios using wear seriation.
- Statistical determination of the significance of ratio differences.
Main Results:
- A consistent trend of increased adult survivorship across all studied hominid groups.
- A pronounced and significant increase in longevity observed in Early Upper Paleolithic modern humans.
Conclusions:
- Longevity has progressively increased throughout human evolution.
- The dramatic longevity surge in the Early Upper Paleolithic likely facilitated population expansions and the emergence of modern human culture.