LI Xiaoli, ZHANG Shuangquan, WEI Mingrui, GAO Lihong, WANG Bo, ZHAO Cuiling. ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND OF HUMAN OCCUPATION AT ZHOUKOUDIAN TIANYUAN CAVE[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2009, 29(3): 133-140. DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1140.2009.03133
Citation: LI Xiaoli, ZHANG Shuangquan, WEI Mingrui, GAO Lihong, WANG Bo, ZHAO Cuiling. ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND OF HUMAN OCCUPATION AT ZHOUKOUDIAN TIANYUAN CAVE[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2009, 29(3): 133-140. DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1140.2009.03133
shu

ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND OF HUMAN OCCUPATION AT ZHOUKOUDIAN TIANYUAN CAVE

  • 1 Beijing Museum of Natural History, Beijing 100050, China;

  • 2 Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China;

  • 3. Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China

More Information
  • Received Date: February 09, 2009
  • Revised Date: May 06, 2009
    Graphical Abstract
    • Abstract
  • The Tianyuan Cave site, which was discovered in 2001, is an important paleoanthropological site of late Pleistocene in China. It is located at the Tianyuan Tree Farm, Zhoukoudian Town, Fangshan County, Beijing. The site was investigated and excavated in 2003 and 2004 by a team from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. A large number of human fossils (34 pieces) and mammalian fossils (39 species have been identified) were unearthed. The skeleton is dated to be 42 000~38 500 calendrical years by using direct accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon, which falls into the MIS 3 (Marine Isotope Stage 3). In order to interpret the possible environmental changes especially the impact on human activities at Tianyuan cave, even in Beijing, the systematic analysis of the mammalian fauna, magnetic susceptibility, clay minerals as well as oxides from sediments was carried out by the authors in the current paper. Sediments of the cave were probably formed by gravitation, and experienced cave development stage, quickly accumulating stage,stable deposition stage and filling stage. The climate may have changed from cold and humid in the forming stage to warm in the quickly accumulating stage, to dry and cold in stable depositing stage, and to warm and humid in the last stage in early Holocene. It should be noted that both the human and mammalian fossils were mainly distributed in layer 3 of breccia, indicating that human occupation in the cave took place in the quickly accumulating stage. In addition, the climate and environment were optimal as a warm temperature with flourishing forest and animals, which may lead to intensified occupation of early human beings. In brief, the studying of human activity environment at Tianyuan cave bears great significance in the research of human occupation environment in Beijing area during MIS 3.
    • FullText(HTML)
    • References (47)
  • [1]
    Imbrie J, Hays J D, Martinson D S, et al. The orbital theory of Pleistocene climate:Support from a revised chronology of the marine δ18O record.[C]//In:Berger A, Imbrie J, Hays J D, et al, eds. Milankovitch and Climate. Dordrecht (Netherland):Reidel Publish Company, 1984:269-305.
    [2]
    Pearson O M. Activity climate and postcranial robusticity:implication for modern human origins and scenarios of adaptive change[J]. Current Anthropology, 2000, 41(4):569-607.
    [3]
    Cohen V Y, Stepanchuk V N. Late Middle and Early Upper Paleolithic evidence from the East European Plain and Caucasus:A new look at variability, interactions, and transitions[J]. Journal of World Prehistory, 1999, 13(3):265-319.
    [4]
    Brantingham P J, Olsen J W, Schaller G B. The initial Upper Paleolithic in Northeast Asia[J]. Current Anthropology, 2001, 42(5):735-747.
    [5]
    吴新智. 现代人起源的多地区进化学说在中国的实证[J]. 第四纪研究,2006,26(5):702-709.

    [WU Xinzhi. Evidence of multiregional human evolution hypothesis from China[J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2006, 26(5):702-709.]
    [6]
    Wolpoff M H, Hawks J, Frayer D, et al. Modern human ancestry at the peripheries:A test of the replacement theory[J]. Science, 2001, 291(5502):293-297.
    [7]
    夏正楷,刘德成,王幼平, 等. 郑州织机洞遗址MIS3阶段古人类活动的环境背景[J]. 第四纪研究,2008,28(1):96-102.

    [XIA Zhengkai, LIU Decheng, WANG Youping, et al. Environmental background of human activities during MIS3 stage record in the Zhijidong cave site, Zhengzhou[J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2008, 28(1):96-102.]
    [8]
    高星,袁宝印,裴树文, 等. 水洞沟遗址沉积-地貌演化与古人类生存环境[J]. 科学通报,2008,53(10):1200-1206.

    [GAO Xing, YUAN Baoyin, PEI Shuwen, et al. Analysis of sedimentary-geomorphologic variation and the living environment of himinids at Shuidonggou site[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2008,53(13):2025-2032.]
    [9]
    Pei W C. An account of the discovery of an adult Sinanthropus skull in the Chou Kou Tien deposit[J]. Bull. Geol. Soc. China, 1929, 8(3):203-205
    [10]
    Weidenreich F. Six lectures on Sinanthropus pekinensis and related problems[J]. Bull. Geol. Soc. China, 1939, 19(1):1-92.
    [11]
    Pei W C. The upper cave fauna of Choukoutien[J]. Palaeontol. Sin., new ser D, 1940(10):1-81.
    [12]
    贾兰坡. 中国猿人的石器和华北其他各地旧石器时代早一阶段的石器关系[J]. 古脊椎动物与古人类,1960,2(1):45-50.

    [CHIA Lanpo. The stone artifacts of Sinanthropus and its relationship with the contemporary cultures in North China[J]. Paleovertebr. Paleoanthropol., 1960,2(1):45-50.]
    [13]
    贾兰坡. 北京人时代周口店附近一带的气候[J]. 地层学杂志,1978,2(1):53-56.

    [CHIA Lanpo. A note in the weather conditions in Choukoutien area of Peking Man's time[J].Journal of Stratigraphy, 1978,2(1):53-56.]
    [14]
    吴汝康,任美锷,朱显谟,等. 北京猿人遗址综合研究[M]. 北京:科学出版社,1985.[WU Rukang, REN Meie, ZHU Xianmo, et al. Multi-disciplinary Study of the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian[M]. Beijing:Science Press, 1985.]
    [15]
    杨子赓,谢又予,牟昀智,等. 周口店上新世及更新世的古气候地层[J]. 地质论评,1983,29(3):209-219.

    [YANG Zigeng, XIE Youyu, MU Yunzhi, et al. Study of palaeo-climatology and stratigraphy of the Pliocene and Pleistocene at Zhoukoudian[J]. Geological Review, 1983,29(3):209-219.]
    [16]
    牟昀智,杨子赓. 北京猿人生活时期的地层与古气候[J]. 兰州大学学报:自然科学版,1982,18(3):105-115.

    [MU Yunzhi, YANG Zigeng. The strata and climate changes during the period of Peking Man[J]. Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Sciences), 1982,18(3):105-115.]
    [17]
    程捷,王海芝,张西娟,等. 周口店第四纪地质与环境变迁研究进展与展望[J]. 地质力学学报,2002,8(4):347-353.

    [CHENG Jie, WANG Haizhi, ZHANG Xijuan, et al. A review of the Quaternary geology and environmental change in Zhoukoudian, Beijing[J]. Journal of Geomechanics, 2002, 8(4):347-353.]
    [18]
    同号文. 北京周口店附近新发现晚更新世化石点[J]. 人类学学报,2003,22(2):160.[TONG Haowen. New fossil locality near Zhoukoudian, Beijng[J]. Acta Anthropoligica Sinica, 2003

    ,22(2):160.]
    [19]
    同号文,尚虹,张双权, 等. 周口店田园洞古人类遗址的发现[J]. 科学通报, 2004,49(9):893-897.

    [TONG Haowen, SHANG Hong, ZHANG Shuangquan, et al. A preliminary report on the newly found Tianyuan cave, a Late Pleistocene human fossil site near Zhoukoiudian[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2004, 49(8):853-857.]
    [20]
    Shang H, Tong H W, Zhang S Q, et al. An early modern human from Tianyuan Cave, Zhoukoudian, China[J]. PNAS, 2007, 104(16):6573-6578.
    [21]
    Pei W C. A preliminary report on the Late-Paleolithic cave of Choukoutien[J]. Bull. Geol. Soc. China, 1934, 13:327-350.
    [22]
    杨子赓,牟昀智. 对周口店地区晚新生代地层的新认识[J]. 科学通报,1981(13):807-810.[YANG Zigeng, MU Yunzhi. New opinion on the Late Cenozoic strata at Zhoukoudian[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 1981

    (13):807-810.]
    [23]
    Norton, C J, Gao X. Zhoukoudian upper cave revisited[J]. Current Anthropology, 2008,49(4):732-745.
    [24]
    王飞燕. 周口店洞穴及岩溶发育[J]. 中国岩溶,1983(1):41-48.[WANG Feiyan. Limestone caves and karst development at Zhoukoudian[J]. Carsologica Sinica, 1983

    (1):41-48.]
    [25]
    李潇丽,高立红,张双权. 周口店田园洞洞穴发育与充填序列探讨[J]. 第四纪研究,2008,28(6):1098-1105.

    [LI Xiaoli, GAO Lihong, ZHANG Shuangquan. Preliminary study of cave development and filling sequence at Zhoukoudian Tianyuan cave[J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2008,28(6):1098-1105.]
    [26]
    同号文,尚虹,张双权, 等. 周口店田园洞古人类化石地层学研究及与山顶洞的对比[J]. 人类学学报,2006,25(1):68-81.

    [TONG Haowen, SHANG Hong, ZHANG Shuangquan, et al. Mammalian biostratigraphy of Tianyuan Cave, compared with that of Upper Cave at Zhoukoudian(Choukoutien)[J]. Acta Anthropoligica Sinica, 2006,25(1):68-81.]
    [27]
    张荣祖.中国动物地理[M]. 北京:科学出版社,2004.[ZHANG Rongzu. Animal Geography in China[M]. Beijing:Science Press, 2004.]
    [28]
    郑绍华. 川黔地区第四纪啮齿类[M]. 北京:科学出版社,1993.[ZHENG Shaohua. Quaternary Rodents of Sichuan-Guizhou area, China[M]. Beijing:Science Press, 1993.]
    [29]
    郑智民,姜志宽,陈安国. 啮齿动物学[M]. 上海:上海交通大学出版社,2008.[ZHENG Zhimin, JIANG Zhikuan, CHEN Anguo, et al. Rodent Zoology[M]. Shanghai:Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press, 2008.]
    [30]
    Young C C, Liu T S.On the mammalian fauna of Koloshan near Chungking, Szechuan[J].Bull. Geol. Soc. China, 1950, 30(1-4):43-90.
    [31]
    武仙竹. 神农架犀牛洞旧石器时代遗址发掘报告[J]. 人类学学报,1998, 17(2):121-136.

    [WU Xianzhu. The report on the excavation of a Paleolithic cave at Shennongjia district, Hubei Province[J]. Acta Anthropologica Sinica, 1998, 17(2):121-136]
    [32]
    王应祥. 中国哺乳动物种和亚种分类名录与分布大全[M]. 北京:中国林业出版社,2003.[WANG Yingxiang. A Complete List of Mammal Species and Subspecies in China:A Systematic and Distribution Research[M]. Beijing:China Forestry Publishing House, 2003.]
    [33]
    同号文. 周口店田园洞古人类化石地点的无颈鬃豪猪(Hystrix subcristata)[J]. 古脊椎动物学报,2005, 43(2):135-150.

    [TONG Haowen. Hystrix subcristata (Mammalia Rodentia) from Tianyuan cave, a human fossil site newly discovered near Zhoukoudian (Choukoutien)[J]. Vertebrata Palasiatica,2005, 43(2):135-150.]
    [34]
    同号文. 第四纪以来中国北方出现过的喜暖动物及其古环境意义[J]. 中国科学D辑,2007,37(7):922-933.

    [TONG Haowen. Occurrences of warm-adapted mammals in north China over the Quaternary Period and their paleo-environmental significance[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2007, 50(9):1327-1340.]
    [35]
    George K,Friedrich H. Pleistocene climate in China dated by magnetic susceptibility[J]. Geology,1988,16:811-814.
    [36]
    刘东生. 中国第四纪环境概要[C]//刘东生等编译.第四纪环境. 北京:科学出版社,1997:189-232.[LIU Tungsheng. An Survey of Quaternary Environment in China[C]//In:LIU Tungsheng et al eds.Quaternary Environment. Beijing:Science Press, 1997:189

    -232.]
    [37]
    蓝先洪. 黏土矿物作为古气候指标矿物的探讨[J]. 地质科技情报,1990,9(4):31-35.

    [LAN Xianhong. Clay minerals as an index of paleoclimate[J]. Geological Science and Technology Information, 1990,9(4):31-35.]
    [38]
    隆浩,王晨华,刘勇平,等. 粘土矿物在过去环境变化研究中的应用[J]. 盐湖研究,2007,15(2):21-25

    ,29.[LONG Hao, WANG Chenhua, LIU Yongping, et al. Application of clay minerals in paleoenvironment research[J]. Journal of Salt Lake Research, 2007,15(2):21-25,29.]
    [39]
    Blaise B. Clay minerals assemblage from late Quaternary deposits on Vancouver Island, Southwestern British Columbia, Canada[J]. Quaternary Research, 1989, 31:41-56.
    [40]
    程捷,郑绍华,高振纪,等. 鄂西地区早期人类和巨猿生存环境研究[J]. 地质学报,2006,80(4):473-480.

    [CHENG Jie, ZHENG Shaohua, GAO Zhenji, et al. Natural environment during the living period of the Early human and Gigantic Ape in west Hubei[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006,80(4):473-480.]
    [41]
    戎秋涛,翁焕新. 环境地球化学[M]. 北京:地质出版社,1990.[RONG Qiutao, WENG Huanxin. Environmental Geo-Chemistry[M]. Beijing:Geologocal Publishing House, 1990.]
    [42]
    周延兴. 论沧州沿海第四纪沉积物的Fe3+/Fe2+垂向变化周期性及其应用[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质,1984,4(2):103-110.

    [ZHOU Yanxing. Vertical variation periodicity and its application of Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio of Quaternary sediments in the Cangzhou area[J]. Marine Geology and Quaternary Geology, 1984,4(2):103-110.]
    [43]
    李长安,陈莲芳,曹伯勋,等. 北京西山末次冰期旋回次生黄土初步研究[J]. 中国区域地质,2000,19(2):144-148.

    [LI Changan, CHEN Lianfang, CAO Boxun, et al. A preliminary study on the secondary loess of the last glacial in Mount Xishan, Beijing[J]. Regional Geology of China, 2000,19(2):144-148.]
    [44]
    于涛,魏明建,肖怀朋,等. 北京西山末次冰期中期植被演化序列研究[J]. 首都师范大学学报:自然科学版,2005,26(3):81-86.

    [YU Tao, WEI Mingjian, XIAO Huaipeng, et al. Study on the sequence of vegetation change during the middle stage of the Last Glacial in Xishan Mountain of Beijing area[J]. Journal of Capital Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2005,26(3):81-86.]
    [45]
    陈铁梅,Hedges R E M,袁振新. 山顶洞遗址年代的加速器质谱再测定与讨论[J]. 人类学学报,1989,8(3):216-221.

    [CHEN Tiemei, Hedges R E M, YUAN Zhenxin. Accelerator radiocarbon dating for Upper Cave of Zhoukoudian[J]. Acta Anthropologica Sinica, 1989,8(3):213-221.]
    [46]
    陈铁梅,Hedges R E M,袁振新. 山顶洞遗址的第二批加速器质谱14C年代数据与讨论[J]. 人类学学报,1992,11(2):112-116.

    [CHEN Tiemei, Hedges R E M, YUAN Zhenxin. The second batch of accelerator radiocarbon dates for Upper Cave site of Zhoukoudian[J]. Acta Anthropologica Sinica, 1992,11(2):112-116.]
    [47]
    Pei W C. The Upper Cave industry of Choukoutien[J]. Palaeontol. Sin, new ser D, 1939(9):1-41.
    • Related Articles

Catalog

    Get Citation
    PDF
    XML
    Article views (1882) PDF downloads (23) Cited by()
    Turn off MathJax
    Article Contents
    Abstract
    References
    WeChat WeChat
    Order Code Order Code

    Copyright © Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology Editorial Office;   Record No: 鲁ICP备15036216号-7

    Address: 62 Fuzhou South Road, Qingdao City    Post: 266237    Tel: 0532-85755823    E-mail: hydzdsjdz@163.com

    Supported by: Beijing Renhe Information Technology Co., Ltd. support: info@rhhz.net Baidu Analytics

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return