Shedding light on Neanderthal histories using luminescence chronologies

该项目旨在使用多功能发光测年工具包，在以前无法确定日期或未充分研究的欧洲考古遗址中，对尼安德特人的进化、文化和灭绝历史进行前所未有的重建。它将整合多种测年方法、古气候代理和古生态数据，以提供有关尼安德特人进化的时间、背景和性质的全面知识。预期成果包括揭示过去人类对气候变化的反应、阐明区域占领模式、复杂行为的出现以及尼安德特人消亡的原因；有利于完善我们自己物种的深度进化轨迹以及在包括澳大利亚在内的不同地区的全球扩张。

This project aims to develop unprecedented reconstructions of Neanderthal evolution, cultural and extinction histories at previously undatable or understudied European archaeology sites using a versatile luminescence dating toolkit. It will integrate multiple dating methods, palaeoclimate proxies and palaeoecological data to provide comprehensive knowledge of the timing, context and nature of Neanderthal evolution. Expected outcomes include unravelling past human responses to climate change, elucidating regional occupation patterns, emergence of complex behaviours, and causes of Neanderthal demise; with benefits for refining our own species deep-time evolutionary trajectory and global expansion across different regions, including Australia.