Uncovering the resourcefulness of our ancestors, ancient whale bone tools have provided a unique window into the lives of early Stone Age hunters. From spear points to fatty oil, these implements reveal a glimpse into human and whale ecology in the Bay of Biscay region.
The discovery of ancient whale bone tools has provided a unique window into the lives of early Stone Age hunters. These implements, crafted from bones found on the Atlantic shoreline between 20,000 and 14,000 years ago, offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and adaptability of our ancestors.
Whale Bone Tools: A Symbol of Survival
Beached whales provided Western Europeans with an abundance of bones to fashion into hunting weapons. The oldest known whale bone tools, dating back to around 18,000-17,500 years old, were discovered in a French rock-shelter. These spear points and spear shafts demonstrate the ingenuity of early hunters who had to rely on whatever resources they could scavenge from the sea.
A Range of Whale Species Used
Sea side scavengers collected bones from at least five whale species that had washed ashore, including sperm whales, fin whales, blue whales, gray whales, and either right whales or bowhead whales. The researchers analyzed species-specific protein sequences extracted from 83 bone implements and found that many ranged from 17,500 to 16,000 years old. This suggests that regional trade in these implements peaked during this period.
A Nutritious Addition to the Stone Age Diet
One notable find was a cave near Spain‘s northern coast containing whale bones that had been intentionally broken to obtain fatty oil, a nutritious addition to Stone Age diets. Bone fragments at that site came from at least two whales, one dating to around 15,500 years ago and the other to about 15,000 years ago.
A Window into Human and Whale Ecology
The study provides valuable insights into human and whale ecology in the Bay of Biscay region. Rising sea levels have submerged ancient seashore sites, but the new research helps show that African Homo sapiens and European Neandertals regularly frequented the seashore and used its resources.
Human activities such as shipping, fishing, and coastal development have significant impacts on whales' habitats.
Whales rely on specific ocean conditions, including temperature, salinity, and food availability, which can be disrupted by human actions.
For example, ship strikes are a major threat to many whale species, with over 80,000 reported incidents annually.
Additionally, noise pollution from human activities like sonar and seismic surveys can disrupt whales' communication patterns.
Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing conservation strategies that balance human needs with whale welfare.
A Rapidly Organized Response to Whale Strandings
The researchers speculate that even small numbers of hunter-gatherers could rapidly organize whale scavenging expeditions. This highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of early humans who had to respond quickly to changes in their environment.
Human adaptability refers to the ability of humans to adjust and respond to their environment, situations, and circumstances.
This capacity is essential for survival and has been shaped by millions of years of evolution.
Research suggests that humans can adapt physically, behaviorally, and cognitively in response to various stimuli, including climate change, social norms, and technological advancements.
Studies have shown that adaptability is influenced by factors such as genetics, culture, and life experiences.
Understanding 'human adaptability' is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of environmental changes and improve overall well-being.
- sciencenews.org | Humans used whale bones to make tools 20,000 years ago
