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Red ochre and shells: clues to human evolution.

Carlos M Duarte1

  • 1The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Australia; Department of Global Change Research. IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados, Miquel Marqués 21, 07190 Esporles, Spain.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Early humans used red ochre and shells over 200,000 years ago, potentially driving symbolic thinking and brain development. These resources provided essential nutrients, enhancing human fitness and social cohesion.

Keywords:
Human evolutionfitnessironnutritionseafoodshells

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Human Evolution Studies
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The use of red ochre and shells dates back to 200,000 years ago.
  • These materials are considered early indicators of symbolic thought in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the significance of red ochre and shell usage in human evolution.
  • To investigate the nutritional and evolutionary advantages conferred by these resources.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of archaeological evidence for red ochre and shell use.
  • Integration of data on nutritional content and its impact on human development.

Main Results:

  • Red ochre and shell use suggests early symbolic thinking.
  • These resources provided essential nutrients like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and iron.
  • Nutrient provision enhanced brain development, reproductive health, and overall human fitness.

Conclusions:

  • The use of shells and red ochre likely played a role in selecting for symbolic expression and social cohesion.
  • Adequate seafood and iron intake remain critical for human health, as evidenced by current global health patterns.