Abstract: In order to argue that Nanjing Homo erectus is a cold-adapted species, the measurements of three kinds are examined. Results show that the rhinal and simotic indices are valuable but that the dacryon index is unsuitable for measuring the projection of nasal bones. The rhinal and simotic indices and climatic data in the paper by Carey and Stegmann’s paper suggest that “……the human nose projects more in drier areas than in humid ones, and more in cold climates than in warm ones.” This staterment is also supported by nasal anatomy and respiratory physiology. In the Inuit people, there is a possibility of a highly efficient “air- conditioning” system, even though their nasal bones are not strongly projected. “This system would be characterized by restricted aperture width, but an appreciably expanded internal nasal chamber, with enlarged conchae, meatuses, etc.” The nasal morphology of the Inuit represents another type of nasal climatic adaptation, and cannot be used as proof to contradict the relationship between strongly projecting nasal bones and climatic adaptation. Moreover, pollen, spores and phytoliths from cave deposits indicate a cold glacial environment, which is comparable to that of a major ice age. To summarize, it is the most reasonable explanation so far that the strongly projecting nasal bones of Nanjing Homo erectus are the product of climatic adaptation rather than of gene flow.

Key words: Nanjing Homo erectus; Strongly projecting nasal bones; Climatic adaptation