SESSION 25: TEXT FOR WEDNESDAY 11th APRIL
EARLY HUMANS USED FIRE MILLION YEARS AGO
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The argument among scientists about when our human ancestors first used fire is a long-running one. A new study centred on a cave in South Africa casts new light on the debate. Prehistoric ash and the remains of burnt bones prove early humans used fire a million years ago. Scientists working at South Africa’s Wonderwerk Cave have found evidence of multiple fires deep inside the cave, some over 30 metres from the entrance. This means it is very unlikely the fires were started naturally, by lightning strikes or from nearby bush fires. Scientists have also discounted the possibility that the fires were as a result of bat guano spontaneously combusting – a very rare but possible natural event.
The scientists are still none the wiser what our cave ancestors used fire for. They found no signs of a place for fire preparation, like a hearth or a deep hole in the ground. It is clear, however, that they started the fires by burning leaves, grass and small twigs. Scientists are now wondering about the burnt bones. Some say our ancestors could have cooked the meat, while others say they could have eaten the meat raw and tossed the bones into the fire. Cave researcher Francesco Berna of Boston University said other possible uses could be for warmth, light or protection from wild animals. The discovery means our ancestors used fire 300,000 years earlier than previously thought.
'Early Humans Used Fire Million Years Ago' - 4th April 2012
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