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Phytoliths indicate significant arboreal cover at Sahelanthropus type locality TM266 in northern Chad and a decrease

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Summary

Phytolith and diatom analysis in Chad reveals evolving vegetation from forest patches to grasslands between 8 and 1 million years ago. This indicates a Sahelian-like dry climate, with early hominin habitats sustained by aquatic systems.

Keywords:
Australopithecus bahrelghazaliDjurabGrassPaleoclimatePaleovegetationSilica

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Area of Science:

  • Paleobotany
  • Paleoecology
  • Human Evolution

Background:

  • Miocene and Pliocene fossil sites in northern Chad have yielded hominin remains, including Australopithecus bahrelghazali and Sahelanthropus tchadensis.
  • Understanding the paleoenvironment of these sites is crucial for reconstructing hominin behavior and migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze phytolith and diatom assemblages from Miocene-Pliocene sediments in northern Chad.
  • To reconstruct the vegetation and environmental conditions during the time of hominin occurrences.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 111 sediment samples from 45 localities dated between 8 and 1 million years ago.
  • Identification and quantification of fossil phytoliths and diatoms to infer vegetation type and aquatic conditions.

Main Results:

  • Dominance of freshwater diatoms indicates lacustrine environments.
  • Phytolith data show a transition from mosaic environments (forest patches, palm groves) to predominantly grass-dominated formations.
  • Vegetation changes occurred between 7.5-7 Ma (mosaic), 6.5-5 Ma (palm groves), and after 4.5 Ma (grasslands).
  • Sahelian-like dry climate conditions are suggested since at least 8 Ma.
  • Habitats for S. tchadensis and A. bahrelghazali were likely palm groves and savannas, respectively, sustained by aquatic systems.

Conclusions:

  • Northern Chad experienced significant vegetation shifts during the Miocene and Pliocene.
  • The paleoenvironment was characterized by a recurrent dry climate, with aquatic systems supporting local vegetation.
  • These findings provide critical ecological context for early hominin evolution in Africa.