Paleoanthropological Research in Southern Ethiopia

该项目主要基于在埃塞俄比亚的实地和实验室研究，目的是1）从孔索的早更新世沉积物中恢复原始人、动物群和人工制品遗骸，2）讨论它们在解释原始人进化和适应方面的意义。在1994年和1995年两个季度，我们进行了189天的研究，其结果总结如下。地质工作包括1）建立研究区的年代地层框架，2）为考古发掘提供支持。在两个现场季节，约360节记录，300凝灰岩样品进行实验室比较，15凝灰岩样品进行Ar/Ar测年，和32个样品（粘土，方解石，方解石）进行初步的古环境评价。含钙的早更新世层序厚度超过200米，在组合剖面内至少有26种不同的凝灰岩。我们有初步的Ar/Ar年龄范围从1.3到1.9百万年。古生物学收集主要是在7的17个地点由该项目定义。超过4000个可识别的标本被回收，其中包括7个原始人标本。哺乳动物组合包括8目21科34属。这些动物群遗迹可划分为3个地层带。下层的组合包含了大约200万年前已知的古老物种，而中层到上层产生了大约150万年前东非遗址的特征分类群。在KGA 4、KGA 8和KGA 10进行了考古发掘。在KGA 10上的验证集中于在景观方法中对单个地平线的多个位置进行采样。在KGA 4和KGA 8进行的钻探旨在暴露丰富的早期阿舍利组合。这两项活动将继续进行，以进一步获得与了解早期人类行为有关的原始数据。

This project was primarily based on field and laboratory research in Ethiopia, with the aim of 1) recovering homnind, faunal and artifact remains from the early Pleistocene deposits of Konso, and 2) discussing their significance in the interpretation of hominid evolution and adaptation. In the 94 and 95 seasons, we have conducted 189 days of research, the results of which are summarized below.Geological work consisted of 1) establishing the chronostratigraphic framework of the study area, and 2) providing support to archeological excavations. In two field seasons, approximately 360 sections were logged, 300 tuff samples taken for laboratory comparisons, 15 tuff samples taken for Ar/Ar dating, and 32 samples (clay, calcite, diatomite) taken for preliminary paleoenvironmental evaluations. The fossiliferous early Pleistoene sequence is over 200 meters thick, with at least 26 different tuffs occurring within the combined section. We have preliminary Ar/Ar dates ranging from 1.3 to 1.9 myr.Paleontological collecting were undertaken primarily at 7 of the 17 localities defined by the project. Over 4000 identifiable specimens were recovered, including 7 hominid specimens. Eight orders, 21 families and at least 34 genera are represented in the mammalian assemblage. These faunal remains can mostly be allocated to 3 stratigraphic zones. The assemblage from the lower strata contains archaic species known from around 2 myr, while the mid to upper levels yield taxa characteristic of East African sites of circa 1.5 myr. Further biochronological analysis is forthcoming.Archeological excavations were conducted at KGA4, KGA8 and KGA10. Excavations at KGA10 focussed on sampling multiple locations of a single horizon in a landscape approach. Excavations at KGA4 and KGA8 were intended to expose rich early Acheulean assemblages. Both activities will be continued to further obtain primary data relevant to the understanding of early hominid behavior.