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The hominin fossils from Hualongdong and their significance on human evolution LIU Wu, WU Xiujie Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 727-741.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0065 Abstract （7022）   HTML （249）    PDF（pc） （6582KB）（1418）       Knowledge map    Save Starting in 2014, ten years field work of excavations and deposit cleaning at the Hualongdong site, Dongzhi County, Anhui Province have resulted in more than fifty pieces of hominin fossils (including one well preserved skull), and stone tools and other evidence of hominin activities. Through fauna composition analysis and isotope dating, the hominin fossils were dated to about 300 ka. With these findings, the Hualongdong has been ranked as the most abundant hominin fossils and stone tool sites of Middle Pleistocene with Zhoukoudian. For the past ten years, a series of research with hominin fossils of cranium, facial bones, mandible, limb bones and teeth from Hualongdong have been conducted. Some new discoveries and understandings have been achieved from these studies. Our studies indicate the morphological traits of cranium, facial bones, mandible, limb bones and teeth from Hualongdong exhibit mosaics with combinations of East Asian Middle Pleistocene Homo erectus, Late Pleistocene hominin and modern human patterns. The cranium of Hualongdong has a suit of archaic features resembling those of East Asian Homo erectus, including low cranial vault, frontal keel, pronounced supraorbital torus, low position of maximum cranial breadth, slopping nasal floor and relatively small cranial capacity. Moreover, the cranium, facial bones, mandible and teeth show some derived features linking with Later Pleistocene hominins and modern humans. The modern human features in the Hualongdong hominin fossils include thin cranial wall, flat and gracile face, nearly vertical mandible symphysis, occurrence of initial mandibular trigon, and small and simple morphology teeth. The hominin fossils discovered from the Hualongdong site were regarded as the one population living in the same time from 270~330 ka. During the studies of the hominin fossils, we noticed some variabilities in the expressions of some morphological features. The lower second molar and the frontal bone discovered in 2006 exhibit a suit of feature patterns that are usually found in East Asian Homo erectus. The frontal bone shows a robust temporal line and thick cranial wall. Besides, the frontal bone has a metopic suture and enlarged frontal sinus. The occlusal surface of the molar has cusp 5, cusp 6 and cusp 7 plus complicated occlusal morphological pattern. Crown dimensions are within variations of Homo erectus and much larger than those of early modern human, contemporary human and European Middle Pleistocene humans. With these feature patterns, we proposed they may represent Homo erectus living during the Middle Pleistocene. In addition, the three pieces of Hualongdong femurs exhibit mosaic patterns with resemblance to Middle Pleistocene archaic hominins and Late Pleistocene early modern humans respectively, including lacking a pilaster, subtrochanteric pieces similar to Middle Pleistocene, and a prominent gluteal buttress and a small third trochanter resembling to many Upper Paleolithic hominins. These morphological patterns suggest that the 300 ka Hualongdong hominin fossils already exhibit the evolutionary trend towards the modern humans, and the Hualongdong hominins are the earliest Middle Pleistocene hominins in East Asia with most modern human features. The discoveries and related studies of Hualongdong hominin fossils provide new evidence for the hominin evolutionary diversities of East Asian late Middle Pleistocene. Table and Figures | Reference | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Fossil carnivora from the Hualongdong Site Loc.1 and their chronological and paleoenvironmental implications JIANGZUO Qigao, LIU Boxuan, LIU Sitong, HE Letian, TONG Haowen Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 836-849.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0064 Abstract （5500）   HTML （64）    PDF（pc） （5393KB）（696）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong Hominid Site is an important locality for ancient human fossils in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, where several well-preserved ancient human fossils and many mammal fossils have been discovered. This paper systematically studies the Carnivora fossils excavated from Hualong Cave from 2014 to 2024, including 8 families, 14 genera, and 17 species, including Cuon alpinus, Ursus thibetanus, Ursus arctos, Ailuropoda melanoleuca baconi, Arctonyx cf. collaris, Catopuma teilhardi, Prionailurus kurteni, Prionailurus sp., Panthera tigris, Panthera pardus, Neofelis nebulosa, Prionodon hualongensis sp. nov., Pachycrocuta brevirostris sinensis, Crocuta ultima, Viverra zibetha, Paguma larvata, Urva urva. Felidae are the most diverse family, with six species coexisted, ranging from about 1kg P. kurteni to around 200 kg P. tigris. Ursidae are also diversified, with three species, and two of them, U. thibetanus and A. m. baconi are the two abundant carnivore species in the fauna. Among these species, the newly identified species of linsang (Prionodon hualongensis) is the first fossil species discovered from the genus Prionodon, characteristic by having large body size, robust dentition and mandible, wide m1 protocone and m1 talonid, indicating a diet comprising more hard tissue. The presence of the abundant spotted hyena, indicating that the site is older than Zhoukoudian Loc.1 (very rare and only present in the upmost layer). On the other hand, the morphology of the brown bear and the golden cat is similar to those from the Zhoukoudian Loc.1, and the morphology of the dhole (relatively distinct m1 entoconid) and the hog-nosed badger (relatively large m1 paraconid) appears slightly more primitive than that of modern population. The archaic element giant hyena Pachycrocuta is still present in the locality, and there are also several extinct species, including the Hualong linsang and the Kurten's leopard cat. In summary, the composition and evolutionary level of carnivore guild from the Hualongdong site supports a late Middle Pleistocene age, which aligns with the results of previous dating. The Hualongdong carnivore guild mainly composes of species typical of woodland areas (no specific temperature preference), such as the dhole and the Asian black bear, followed by typical southern China components like the giant panda and the clouded leopard. However, there are also typical North China components, notably the brown bear, indicating a mosaic habitat primarily dominated by forests. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Craniofacial reconstruction and morphological characteristics of Hualongdong No.6 hominid skull JIN Zetian, WU Xiujie, DENG Guodong, LIU Wu Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 754-764.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0063 Abstract （5414）   HTML （85）    PDF（pc） （3572KB）（689）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong (HLD) site is situated in Wangcun Village, Yaodu Town, Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, China, on the southern slope of Meiyuan Hill. The site is characterized by a collapsed cave comprising carbonate-cemented cavern breccia, unconsolidated clay and gravel. It was discovered in late 1988. Following several excavation campaigns between 2006 and 2024, approximately 20 human individuals, more than 400 artificial stone tools, numerous bone fragments with signs of manual cutting and chopping, and over 80 species of animal fossils have been uncovered. These findings date back to between 331,000 and 275,000 years ago. In this paper, we carried out facial restoration on the HLD No.6 skull fossil unearthed at this site. The HLD 6 hominid skull was found in 2015. When unearthed, the skull was broken into 20 fragments of different sizes, among which 7 were wrapped in a large cementing material, and the other 13 dispersed around the large cementing material. According to the bone thickness, bone sutures, cross-sections, the middle cerebral artery and the occlusal state of the teeth, a three-dimensional model of the HLD skull was 3D virtual restored. After reconstruction, it preserves almost entire face, most of the mandibular and a largely cranium. To show the pre-life appearance of HLD hominid, according to the relationship between facial bones and soft tissues, a manual method was adopted to reconstruct the outer surface of the skull with muscle, skin, and facial features using plasticized materials (silly putty and plaster) on the 3D virtual reconstruction of the 3D printed skull model. After craniofacial reconstruction, the HLD hominid showed more modern human features with a flat glabella, a backward forehead, a flat face, and the appearance of a chin, however, it still retained some archaic features such as a developed brow ridge, a low cranial height. The HLD human fossils exhibit a mix of physical characteristics transitional between Homo erectus and modern humans. The cranium displays more primitive traits, the facial structure resembles that of modern humans, and the mandible shows early signs of modern human chin. Compared with the "pre-Homo sapiens" Jebel Irhoud found in Morocco, Africa, dated to the same age, the two show similar transitional physical features from archaic to Homo sapiens. The HLD hominin fossils provide crucial evidence of the diversity of late Middle Pleistocene human evolution in East Asia, indicating that modern forms related to Homo sapiens emerged in this region around 300,000 years ago. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Survival paleoenvironment of the Hualongdong Hominid reflected by non-volant micromammalian fossils CHANG Meijing, LI Qiang, NI Xijun, ZHANG Xuan, TONG Haowen Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 799-815.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0067 Abstract （5390）   HTML （26）    PDF（pc） （2758KB）（753）       Knowledge map    Save Hualongdong (HLD) site in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province is another important locality for early hominin skull fossils following notable sites such as Zhoukoudian in Beijing, Lantian in Shaanxi, Hexian in Anhui and Tangshan in Nanjing. The geological age of the site is approximately 300 ka. Since its discovery in 2004, multiple excavations have been conducted at HLD site, yielding abundant hominin and associated vertebrate fossils. This study focuses on the taxonomic identification, faunal analysis of non-volant small mammal fossils associated with hominin fossils from the 2015-2017 excavation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. A total of 5,645 non-volant micromammal fossil specimens have been discovered, primarily consisting of isolated teeth. These fossils represent 3 orders, 11 families, 38 genera, and 49 species (including two species indeterminata). In terms of both the number of species and the number of identified specimens, Rodentia is dominant at the ordinal level; Muridae is the most diverse at the familial level; and Apodemus is the most abundant at the generic level. The extinction proportion of HLD site is low (4.26%), which is obviously different from the Early Pleistocene and the early Middle Pleistocene non-volant small mammal assemblages with abundant Tertiary relict species, and the Late Pleistocene animal assemblages with almost complete disappearance of extinct species, but more similar to the late Middle Pleistocene small non-volant mammal assemblage in southern China. In terms of faunal composition, the non-volant micromammalian assemblage of the HLD site shows the higher similarity to that of Yumidong of Chongqing, Xinglogndong of Chongqing, Yanhuidong of Guizhou, and Baotansi of Chongqing. The comparison with the present small mammal assemblages shows that remarkable species alternations have taken place in this region, with the decline in species quantity of Soricinae, flying sciurids and Apodemus, the emergence of temperate species Myospalax and the disappearance of subtropical and tropical species since the late Middle Pleistocene to the present. The 45 extant species at the HLD site collectively reflect a forest-dominated habitat; however, the top eight dominant species, as determined by minimum number of individuals (MNI), indicate a mixed forest-grassland environment. Based on the MNI, we analyzed the habitat preferences of these dominant species. Among them, Pteromys volans and Lasiopodomys brandtii are primarily distributed in temperate regions; Eothenomys melanogaster is usually inhabited subtropical and tropical shrublands; species of Apodemus and Niviventer andersoni are mainly found in temperate and subtropical areas; while Mus musculus is widely distributed from tropical to temperate zones. These species typically inhabit various forest types and meadow environments at forest edges. In light of the small mammal assemblage, we infer that the HLD site in Dongzhi, Anhui, during the late Middle Pleistocene, featured a mixed environment of forests and meadows. The mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) reconstructed using the Random Forest algorithm for the late Middle Pleistocene HLD site were 12.57°C and 909.81 mm (based on the eight MNI dominant species) and 13.38°C and 1014.70 mm (based on all 45 extant species), respectively. These values are lower than the meteorological data from present-day Dongzhi (16.1°C and 1628.3 mm), indicating that the climate at that time was somewhat cooler and drier. Table and Figures | Reference | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A preliminary report of the 2021-2022 paleolithic archaeological survey in Duilong River valley, Lhasa, Xizang JIA Zhenxiu, TINLEY Tsring, LI Hao, TONG Yan, SHARGAN Wangdue, CHEN Fahu Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1083-1093.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0019 Abstract （4780）   HTML （37）    PDF（pc） （8311KB）（223）       Knowledge map    Save From 2021 to 2022, a joint archaeological survey was carried out in the Duilong River valley, Lhasa, Xizang, with the support of the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program. This collaborative effort involved researchers from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Institute for Conservation and Research of Tibetan Cultural Relics. The main objective was to investigate prehistoric human activities in this high-altitude region, especially to identify Paleolithic sites buried in primary strata. The survey area, located in the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau at an average altitude of about 4,000 m, includes the Duilong River valley and its tributary systems. These river valleys have well-developed fluvial terraces, which not only serve as the location for modern villages but also as favorable areas for prehistoric human habitation. A total of 13 Paleolithic localities were discovered, consisting of 3 sites with primary buried deposits (Shanggagang, Qiusangsi, and Jiawu) and 10 surface lithic scatters. The elevation of these sites ranges from 3837 m to 4182 m, reflecting the adaptability of early humans to extremely high-altitude environments. A systematic analysis of 79 stone artifacts shows a consistent technological pattern dominated by core-flake assemblages. The lithic industry lacks advanced products such as handaxes, blades, or microblades. In terms of the number of stone artifacts and well-preserved buried strata, Shanggagang and Qiusangsi sites are the two most important sites identified in this survey. For the 54 stone artifacts discovered at the Shanggagang site, the raw materials were mainly igneous rocks (64.8%), followed by chert (16.7%) and quartz (11.1%), sourced locally from river gravels. Among the 7 cores, the classification includes discoid cores (n=4), polyhedral cores (n=2), and a bipolar core (n=1). The 27 flakes include 15 Type VI, 7 Type V, 3 Type III, 1 Type II, and 1 bipolar flake. The tool assemblage (n=12) is mainly composed of scrapers (n=11), with only 1 pointed tool identified. The number of stone artifacts discovered at the Qiusangsi site is relatively small, but all 5 stone artifacts were found in the primary strata. The raw materials of the 5 artifacts are all igneous rocks, and the knapping method used is the percussion method. The only core found is a polyhedral core. Among the two whole flakes, one is a Type V flake and the other is a Type VI flake. Unfortunately, no tools were discovered. Due to the limited number of stone artifacts found in this investigation, it is difficult to conduct comprehensive and in-depth research and analysis on the technological attributes and cultural connotations of the site. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of cultural layers at Shanggagang and Qiusangsi provided preliminary age estimates, indicating human occupation no later than 100 kaBP. However, signal saturation prevented precise chronological resolution. The discovery of buried sites in the Duilong River valley significantly expands the geographical and temporal scope of known Paleolithic activity on the Tibetan Plateau. This survey confirms that humans inhabited the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau at least by the Middle Paleolithic. Future work should focus on formal excavations, refined chronometric methods, and comparative studies with adjacent regions to reveal the dynamics of early human colonization and adaptation on the Tibetan Plateau. This survey lays a crucial foundation for understanding the adaptability and creativity of Pleistocene hominins in the challenging environments of the Tibetan Plateau. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Sedimentary feature and chronology of Hualongdong site in Dongzhi, Anhui Province CAI Yanjun, PEI Shuwen, JIN Zetian Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 742-753.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0075 Abstract （4774）   HTML （47）    PDF（pc） （4617KB）（370）       Knowledge map    Save Resolving sedimentary processes and constraining the ages of the Hualongdong site in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, are crucial for researching ancient human evolution, as well as its living environment and adaptive survival behaviors. This paper comprehensively analyzes the geological, geomorphological, and sedimentary characteristics of the deposits at the Hualongdong site and its surroundings. In addition, we also examine the 230Th-234U-238U dating results of the speleothem debris and animal fossils collected during the excavation. It is confirmed that the deposits at the Hualongdong site formed from a mixture of cave deposits and surrounding rock fragments during the collapse of an ancient karst cave. The transition from the ancient karst cave to the accumulation at the Hualongdong site occurred in three main stages: the cave formation and development period, a relatively stable deposition period, and a rapid collapse and accumulation period. The collapse of the ancient karst cave and the formation of mixed deposits at the site occurred later than approximately 216 thousand years before present (ka BP), and ancient cave deposits containing fossils are the main components of the mixed accumulation at the site. Along with the dating results attained previously, the 230Th-234U-238U dating results of the recently discovered flowstone within the deposits indicate that the cave underwent at least two accumulation periods during its stable sedimentation phase, with early deposition occurring prior to 600 ka BP and later deposition spanning from around 331 to 275 ka BP. The mixing of deposition across at least two depositing episodes adds complexity to the chronological study of the site. By integrating the 230Th-234U-238U dating results of all available speleothem, fossil teeth and bones, this study speculates that the burial age of the most complete human skull fossil discovered at the Hualongdong site can be bracketed between 275 and 331 ka BP, placing it in the late Middle Pleistocene. We suggested that Uranium-series dating of representative fossil specimens can offer vital insights for the chronological study of the site and is strongly recommended for understanding the evolution of the fauna and ancient humans at this site. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Exploitation and utilization of chert raw materials from the Tiaotougang Paleolithic site in the Daoshui River Basin, Hunan Province LI Yiyuan Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1047-1059.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0093 Abstract （4758）   HTML （22）    PDF（pc） （3649KB）（211）       Knowledge map    Save The prominent utilization of chert raw material constitutes a defining characteristic of Early-to-Middle Late Pleistocene Paleolithic sites in the Daoshui River Basin, Hunan Province, Central South China. At the Tiaotougang site, for example, chert predominates, comprising 69.96% of the assemblage, followed by quartz sandstone (21.83%) and quartzite (7.92%). These chert materials exhibit diverse coloration, predominantly brown, yellow, and cyan, with secondary occurrences of white and red varieties. Quantitative quality assessment based on grain fineness, internal fissure density, and surface luster characteristics revealed three distinct grades of the chert in this site: good (grade 1, 9.54%), medium (grade 2, 47.28%), and poor (grade 3, 43.18%). As all raw materials at Tiaotougang originated as river cobbles, this study prioritized gravel source tracing to investigate chert provenance. Comprehensive lithological surveys of bedrock, modern river gravels, and ancient fluvial gravels near the site indicate that the upper Daoshui River Basin contains relatively abundant and accessible chert resources. However, available chert consists predominantly comprises grade 2 and grade 3 cobbles, indicating medium-to-poor quality. Notably, while chert constitutes only 20%-30% of gravels in local riverbeds comparing with other lithologies, it dominates the assemblage of the Tiaotougang site. This significant discrepancy demonstrates that the site’s ancient inhabitants exhibited marked selectivity and organizational sophistication in exploiting chert resources, reflecting their sophisticated understanding of its superior flaking properties. Furthermore, lithic analysis reveals that medium-to-large tools were manufactured primarily from quartz sandstone and quartzite, whereas small tools were predominantly produced using chert. This pattern indicates hominins’ comprehensive understanding of the lithology-specific characteristics of different cobble types. Based on the spatial distribution of surveyed chert sources, we infer that most chert materials were procured locally from river gravels within a 1-2 km radius of the site. Critically, however, a small quantity of the highest-quality chert appears to have been intentionally procured from ancient terrace gravel deposits located approximately 10 km from the site. Preliminary knapping experiments confirm that high-quality chert resources within the Daoshui Basin present no impediment to implementing sophisticated core preparation technologies, including Levallois reduction strategies and bladelet production techniques. The application of complex flaking methods in this region faced no raw material constraints and the persistent dominance of simplistic core-and-flake reduction sequences throughout the southern Chinese Paleolithic record cannot be attributed to limitations in raw material quality or availability. Consequently, this study provides new regional evidence challenging the long-standing paradigm that attributes the gradual trajectory of Chinese Paleolithic cultural evolution to deficiencies in high-quality lithic resources. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Discovery and advances in the study of Middle Paleolithic Quina technology in Southwest China XIAO Peiyuan, RUAN Qijun, LI Hao Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1009-1018.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0096 Abstract （4711）   HTML （45）    PDF（pc） （2637KB）（347）       Knowledge map    Save The Middle Paleolithic or Middle Stone Age, dating approximately between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago, represents a critical phase in human evolution, characterized by significant advancements in technology, adaptive behaviors, and complex interactions among different hominin groups, including Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Denisovans, and early modern humans. During this period, lithic technology underwent substantial diversification and refinement, reflecting key cognitive and behavioral developments. Among these innovations, the emergence and widespread adoption of Levallois technology—also known as prepared core technology—stands out as a representative feature of Middle Paleolithic technological innovation. Despite the global significance of these developments, the present and nature of Middle Paleolithic technologies in East Asia—particularly in China—have long been debated. A dominant perspective has maintained that lithic technologies in China lacked the innovative characteristics observed in other regions before the Upper/Late Paleolithic. However, this view has been increasingly challenged by recent archaeological discoveries, which have identified diagnostic Middle Paleolithic elements—such as Levallois and discoid core reduction strategies—at several sites spanning diverse geographical regions of China. These findings suggest that technological innovations were not absent in East Asia but may have followed distinct regional trajectories. This study provides a comprehensive global review of Quina technology, focusing on its core diagnostic features: 1) plan-secant volumetric organization for blank production, 2) scalariform stepped retouch (i.e. Quina retouch) on thick, asymmetric and lateral flakes, and 3) complex ramification of the Quina chaîne opératoire. The Quina Mousterian is one of the major technological variants of the European Middle Paleolithic, often interpreted as a Neanderthal adaptation to cold climates, marked by high degrees of tool curation and repeated maintenance during seasonal subsistence. By synthesizing archaeological reports and incorporating new evidence from northwestern Yunnan, this research demonstrates the presence of a well-defined Quina techno-complex in southwestern China. This discovery significantly expands the known geographical distribution of Quina technology beyond its traditional association with Europe. The identification of Quina techno-complex underscores the diversity and complexity of Middle Paleolithic traditions in China, offering important insights into cultural transmission, regional adaptation, and potential interactions among hominin populations across East and West. Future research should prioritize targeted excavations and interdisciplinary studies at Quina-related sites in northwestern Yunnan. Such investigations will be crucial for establishing a more precise spatial-temporal framework for Quina technology in East Asia and, for exploring the behavioral and taxonomic identity of the hominins who produced it. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Hunting behavior of Hualongdong Hominid based on the teeth of gaur LIU Boxuan, LIU Sitong, JIN Zetian, DENG Guodong, WU Xiujie Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 862-873.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0076 Abstract （4593）   HTML （39）    PDF（pc） （1942KB）（929）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong site in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province has yielded abundant hominin fossils along with numerous mammalian bones and teeth. Among the large mammal fossils unearthed at the site, cervid remains are the most common, followed by those of large bovids. To investigate the relationship between the Hualongdong hominins and these mammals, this study focuses on the gaur [Bos (Bibos) sp.] dental fossils excavated from the site between 2014 and 2024. The subgenus Bos (Bibos) represents an extinct group of the Bos (Bibos) sp., distinct from extant Bos frontalis. Fossils of these bovids are frequently found in Pleistocene cave sites in southern China, with a temporal range spanning from the Early to the Late Pleistocene. In this study, the dental sequence was first identified, and the tooth dimensions were measured and compared with those of bovids from other sites as well as extant gaur. Based on this analysis, the minimum number of individuals (MNI) was calculated. The age-at-death was estimated using crown height measurements, and age groups were classified to construct the mortality profile. The mortality pattern of the Hualongdong bovids was identified using a ternary diagram and its possible causes inferred through comparative analysis. The results indicate that: 1) A total of 1,205 bovid teeth were unearthed, including 139 incisors (Including incisiform canines), 202 fragmented cheek teeth, and 864 complete and measurable cheek teeth (69 deciduous teeth and 795 permanent teeth); 2) The MNI was estimated at 53, based on the combination of 39 left M3s and 14 right DP3s; 3) The tooth dimensions of the Hualongdong bovids most closely resemble those of Bos (Bibos) gaurus from the Bailong Cave site; 4) Using a quadratic crown height equation for permanent teeth and a linear equation for deciduous teeth, the age distribution of the Hualongdong bovids was determined to be 38% juveniles, 44% prime adults, and 18% old adults; 5) The age profile plotted on a ternary diagram closely aligns with that of extant wild gaur and European bison, indicating a catastrophic mortality pattern; 6) The relatively high proportion of juveniles suggests that the Hualongdong hominins may have employed multiple hunting strategies, such as a combination of non-selective ambush and endurance hunting, or that they may have targeted more juvenile bovids during the breeding season. Teeth are among the most well-preserved animal remains at archaeological sites and contain rich information about the animals themselves. By analyzing the dental fossils of large bovids from Hualongdong, this study reconstructs their mortality profile and provides new evidence for interpreting the hunting behavior of the Hualongdong hominins. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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New mammalian fossils from the Hualongdong site in Dongzhi County, Anhui TONG Haowen, JIANGZUO Qigao, LI Qiang, CHANG Meijing, LIU Boxuan, JIN Zetian Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 779-798.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0066 Abstract （4590）   HTML （54）    PDF（pc） （7993KB）（839）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong site (Hualongdong Loc.1) in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province is the most important fossil site of mid-Pleistocene Homo found in China in recent years. The Hualongdong site was discovered in 1988 and has undergone 9 formal excavations in 2006, 2014~2016, 2017~2019 and 2023 respectively. The mammalian fossils unearthed during the periods 2014~2016 have been preliminarily reported; Since 2017 onward, a large number of mammal fossils have been discovered, and more species have been added to the fauna list: Rhinopithecus sp., Canis sp., Ailuropoda wulingshanensis, Panthera pardus, Neofelis nebulosa, Prionailurus kurteni, Prionodon hualongensis, Paguma larvata, Urva urva, Crocuta ultima, Equus sp., Stephanorhinus sp., Rusa unicorlor, Hydropotes sp. and Capricornis sp. At present, there are as many as 93 species, including undetermined species of mammals have been recognized from the Hualongdong site. More and more complete fossil specimens have been added to the previously reported genera and species, such as the Ursus thibetanus, Ailuropoda baconi, Panthera tigris, Sus lydekkeri, Cervus grayi, and Bos (Bibos) sp., among which Sus lydekkeri and Bos (Bibos) sp. have the largest body sizes for their kinds ever known. The fossils of brown bear (Ursus arctos), horse (Equus sp.), Lydekker's pig (Sus lydekkeri) and giant deer (Sinomegaceros sp.) from Hualongdong represent the southernmost occurrence of their kinds in eastern China, and they are more frequently recovered in the northern faunas. The age of the fauna of the Hualongdong site is complicated by the discovery of the fossil of Ailuropoda wulingshanensis, because this species was only found in the late Early Pleistocene sites, which is obviously inconsistent with the formation time (ca. 300 ka) of the Hualongdong site as currently dated. The explanation for this phenomenon is most likely due to the collapse and re-accumulation of the original cave deposits, resulting in a mixture of old and new strata. The dominant species of the Hualongdong fauna are gaurs and diverse cervids, which are very similar to those of the Bailongdong fauna in Hubei Province. The Hualongdong fauna is different from that of the nearby Hexian Man Site in the lackness of gaurs in the latter. In general, the dominant species of the Hualongdong fauna is comparable to the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna of Middle Pleistocene in southern China, but with a few invaders from the North, which suggests a relatively cold substage at which the Hualongdong Man once experienced. The Hualongdong fauna is different from the Late Pleistocene fauna of southern China, the latter is usually dominated by the Sus scrofa-cervids assemblage. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Mammalian astragalus fossils excavated at Hualongdong site LIU Sitong, LIU Boxuan, JIN Zetian, DENG Guodong, TONG Haowen, WU Xiujie Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 816-835.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0072 Abstract （4552）   HTML （36）    PDF（pc） （7699KB）（877）       Knowledge map    Save The astragalus is one of the tarsal bones and anatomically subdivided into three distinct regions: the head, neck, and body. This critical bone serves as the primary osseous interface between the distal tibia and proximal tarsal bones, forming the talocrural articulation that facilitates the characteristic hinge-like motion of the tetrapod ankle joint. Furthermore, comparative osteological analyses reveal that the astragalus typically exhibits greater structural density compared to other skeletal elements, a morphological adaptation likely associated with its weight-bearing function within the ankle complex. This increased bone density, combined with its strategic anatomical position protected by adjacent articulating surfaces, significantly enhances its preservation potential in both modern and paleontological contexts. The exceptional preservation frequency of astragali in vertebrate fossil records has consequently established this element as a crucial anatomical marker for phylogenetic studies and functional morphology analyses. In addition, since the structure of the astragalus is directly related to the locomotion patterns of animals and reflects the range of motion of the hind limbs, it is often used to analyze the characteristics of species and their ecological and functional adaptability. The Hualongdong Site is an important comprehensive ancient human site from the late Middle Pleistocene in China, where a large number of mammalian fossils have been unearthed. This paper takes 316 specimens of mammalian astragalus fossils excavated at the site from 2014 to 2024 as research materials. The investigation methodologically integrates the measurement, the identification of morphological characteristics and the analysis of surface traces, This systematic approach facilitates a comprehensive exploration of the animal group, the ancient human behaviors, and the background of burial. The mammalian astragalus bones unearthed at the Hualongdong reflect a fauna composition dominated by the Cervidae and the Bovidae, accounting for 84.5% of the identifiable specimens and 80.5% of the minimum number of individuals respectively. Sus lydekkeri and carnivores, predominantly from the Ursidae also account for a certain number. There are also a few specimens from the Rhinocerotidae, Equidae, Tapiridae and Stegodontidae. The presence of the austral Ailuropoda-Stegodon faunal elements is represented by Ailuropda, Stegodontidae, and Tapiridae, while the presence of boreal taxa is represented by Cervus (Sika) grayi, Equidae, Stephanorhinus sp. In fact, the NISP and MNI of the boreal taxa are higher than the austral taxa. The astragalus measurement data show that Bos (Bibos) sp., Equidae, Rhiocerotidae, and Sus lydekkeri at the Hualongdong site represent the larger body sizes comparative to their relatives during the same period. Overall, the composition of the animal group reflected by the astragalus indicates a relatively open forest-grassland landform, with the presence of mountain animals. Burial analysis indicates that the astragalus is less affected by natural forces such as weathering and erosion by water flow. A thorough examination of the surface marks reveals that the astragali of the Cervidae and Bovidae families exhibited artificial cutting marks, chopping marks, carnivorous biting marks, and rodent gnawing marks. This indicates the involvement of humans, carnivores, and rodents in the accumulation of astragali in the cave. This study is the first to systematically reveals the composition of the animal group and the evidence of human behavior reflected by the astragalus fossils at the Hualongdong site. It provides reference materials for the research on the survival strategies and animal resource utilization of ancient humans in East Asia during the late Middle Pleistocene. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A preliminary exploration of the phenomenon of miniaturization of stone artifacts during the late Paleolithic period in South China LI Sanling, LIU Yalin, ZHAO Wenjie, CHEN Qingyi, LI Hao Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1034-1046.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0095 Abstract （4408）   HTML （53）    PDF（pc） （1933KB）（422）       Knowledge map    Save Recent discoveries of Upper Paleolithic sites across southern China featuring miniaturized lithic assemblages have led to a growing recognition that this trend may represent a significant technological innovation with important evolutionary implications. However, scholarly discussion on the subject remains limited, and consensus has yet to emerge regarding its occurrence time and specific technological characteristics. To address these gaps, this study begins by clarifying the conceptual distinctions between “miniaturized lithic” in southern China and “small stone tool” in the northern region, next systematically reviews key sites in southern China that exhibit lithic miniaturization, and finally focuses on the timing of its appearance, technological features, and adaptive strategies. Findings indicate that lithic miniaturizatiwon first emerged around 40,000 years before present during late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3, observed in cave sites throughout Lingnan and Southwest China, such as Yahuai Cave, Fengyan Cave, and Zhaoguodong Cave. By approximately 30,000 years before present, amid the climatic transition from MIS 3 to MIS 2, the technological phenomenon had become widespread around Poyang Lake, with key sites including Shanghu Site and Xianrendong-Diaotonghuan Cave. Technologically, these miniaturized lithic assemblages found across southern China exhibit far more commonalities than regional variations, maintaining a remarkable evolutionary continuity over tens of millennia. Key features of the miniaturized lithic assemblages include a pronounced preference for siliceous raw materials such as chert and quartz, the systematic production of miniaturized size of stone artifacts, the widespread adoption of bipolar flaking techniques, and the occasional presence of backed tools. These shared technological traits, though seemingly ordinary, display notable parallels with lithic technologies found in broader geographic regions, such as Southeast Asia and South Asia. This, on the one hand, indicates that the lithic miniaturization in southern China might be an integral part of the global process of lithic miniaturization in the late Pleistocene period. On the other hand, it also underscores the need for a wider comparative framework in future research to better understand technological connections and potential population interactions across these regions. The extensive occurrence of miniaturized lithic assemblages and the associated minialithic technocomplex during Upper Paleolithic in southern China reflects a survival strategy adopted by the population to cope with the high mobility of hunting activities. Essentially, it is the product of multi-dimensional technological integration, reflecting the comprehensive assessment by hunting group of variables such as the texture of raw materials, the efficiency of tool production and use, and the maintenance costs. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Progress and reflections on paleolithic archaeology in Sichuan ZHENG Zhexuan, TAN Peiyang Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1094-1105.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0110 Abstract （4328）   HTML （61）    PDF（pc） （2440KB）（969）       Knowledge map    Save Sichuan Province is located in the hinterland of southwestern China, spanning the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. Its unique geographical location and stepped geomorphology have led to a rich ecological diversity, making it a key area for early human migration and cultural exchange. Although the Paleolithic archaeology in this region started early, with important Paleolithic remains such as the “Ziyang Man” and the “Fulin Culture” being discovered shortly after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, limited research led to many gaps in temporal and spatial framework and a vague understanding of regional Paleolithic culture. Since 2019, the Paleolithic archaeological work in Sichuan has gradually achieved a series of breakthroughs. A large number of Paleolithic sites have been discovered on the western Sichuan Plateau and in the Sichuan Basin. These sites feature pebble tools, typical handaxes, Middle and Upper Paleolithic cultural elements, late period remains, and microblades from the Paleolithic-Neolithic transition. These discoveries reflect the complexity and diversity of the Paleolithic culture in Sichuan in terms of time, space, and technology. Important sites such as Piluo site in Daocheng and Mengxihe site in Ziyang have been excavated, yielding lithic artifacts that include various technological traditions and rich evidence for behavioral modernity. Piluo site revealed a continuous sequence of three lithic technology. Its typical handaxes reshaped the understanding of the Acheulean in East Asia, indicating complex interactions between East and West Eurasia and the ability of archaic populations to adapt to high-altitude extreme environments. Mengxihe site discovered abundant organic remains,such as wooden and bone artifacts, which were rare worldwide. It also displayed an early case of broad-spectrum use of plant and animal resources and engraving behaviors, providing key evidence for the study of human behavioral complexity in the early to mid-Late Pleistocene in East Asia. Sites in Fujiang River Basin revealed the uniqueness of the regional “large flake industry”, while the Mengxihe site group showed the miniaturization of flake tools during the early Late Pleistocene Abundant materials from these sites documented the technological change of lithic assemblages in southwestern China, providing significant evidence for major scientific questions such as the evolution of the pebble tool traditions, East Asian handaxes and the “Movius Line”, behavioral complexity and the emergence of modern human in East Asia, etc. This paper reanalyzes the previous and recent archaeological records in Sichuan and reconstruct the developmental trajectory of regional Paleolithic cultures, and further discusses its implication in above-mentioned questions. The research reveals clear spatiotemporal diversity and technological sequences—from early simple core-flake techniques, through Acheulean assemblages, to late-stage miniaturization of tools and emerging behavioral complexity—across the highlands of western Sichuan, the basin, and adjacent transitional zones. These advances not only fill gaps in regional cultural development but also provide crucial evidence for understanding migration interactions, technological transmission, and adaptive strategies among ancient populations in northern and southern China, as well as between Eastern and Western Eurasia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Evolution of Cenozoic geomorphology in the Yuanmou hominin site area ZHANG Weilin, YAN Maodu, ZAN Jinbo, MIAO Yunfa, SONG Xiangsuo, ZHANG Tao, XU Zunbo, Cairangdaoji , RUAN Qijun, LI Hao Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 952-966.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0098 Abstract （4147）   HTML （23）    PDF（pc） （11218KB）（111）       Knowledge map    Save The study on the formation and evolution of geomorphology and the surface erosion of paleo-drainage of the Yuanmou paleolithic site and its surrounding region can well reveal the coupling relationship between tectonic uplift, climate, ecological environment and ancient human activities on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The geomorphologic formation and evolution and the surface erosion of its internal paleo-drainage around the Yuanmou paleolithic site, have profoundly influenced by the multiple tectonic uplifts and paleo-drainage reorganization on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau (SETP) since the Eocene. The ancient bedrock of the paleo-planation surface and the Cenozoic strata above the river terraces have formed a surface weathering crust under long-term physical and chemical processes, becoming an important ecological barrier for the distinctive regional ecological environment, Agricultural and livestock production, and ancient human activities. Based on magnetostratigraphic chronology, tectonic events, and lithofacies changes, our study systematically elucidated the development, formation, and breakup processes of the geomorphology from the paleo-planation surface, the paleo-drainage and the river terraces. The research results indicate that the Yuanmou paleolithic site and its surrounding region have undergone significant tectonic events and paleo-drainage reorganization events in different periods since the Cenozoic, such as during the late Oligocene to early Miocene, early Late-Miocene, early Pliocene, late Early-Pleistocene, middle Pleistocene, late Pleistocene and Holocene, and ultimately formed to its present configuration. In addition, the formation process of the Yuanmou Paleolithic Site is highly related to the formation of the third paleo-planation surface and the development of river terraces, reflecting the close association between ancient human activities and tectonic movements, paleo-drainage changes, and their controlled geomorphic evolution patterns. This work would provide significant geological evidence for exploring the impact mechanisms of geomorphic processes and ecological environment changes on the survival activities of Yuanmou Man and other ancient humans, and also offer essential proof for future archaeological work on ancient humans and Paleolithic artifacts in the Yuanmou Paleolithic Site and its surrounding region. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Starch granules in dental residues of ancient humans from the Maludong and Tangzigou sites, Yunnan DU Ruiyan, JI Xueping, ZHOU Zhenyu, GUAN Ying, ZHANG Maolin, ZHOU Xiaoyan, XING Song Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1072-1082.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0099 Abstract （3939）   HTML （31）    PDF（pc） （2712KB）（343）       Knowledge map    Save This study extracted and analysis of micro-residues preserved on ancient human teeth excavated from two terminal Paleolithic sites, Maludong and Tangzigou, in Yunnan Province. Through comparative analysis of starch granule types within the residues, this research investigates plant resource utilization strategies adopted by ancient populations in Southwest China during the late Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Dental surfaces yielded five morphologically distinct starch granule categories: A) Disc-shaped; B) Spheroidal; C) Elliptical or rounded triangular; D) Polyhedral and irregular; E) damaged forms. These starch types correspond to botanical sources including Poaceae seeds, subterranean storage organs, and acorns from the Quercus of Fagaceae. Category A (2 granules): Granule diameters range from 12.33-23.57 μm. The planar structure exhibits disc-shaped or elliptical morphology. Under polarized light, extinction crosses appear vertical or X-shaped, with broad and indistinct extinction areas and faint lamellae. These characteristics suggest a likely origin from Poaceae seeds. Category B (2 granules): Granule diameters range from 11.34-11.55 μm. Spherical in shape with slightly eccentric and open hila. Polarized microscopy reveals X-shaped extinction crosses and absent lamellae. These granules are tentatively attributed to Amorphophallus species. Category C (2 granules): Granule diameters range from 12.4-12.91 μm. Morphologies include smooth elliptical (Fig: 2d) and rounded triangular (Fig: 2e) forms with eccentric hila. Brightfield microscopy highlights distinct hila and faint lamellae, while polarized light shows broad vertical and narrow curved extinction crosses. These are likely derived from Quercus species. Category D (4 granules): Granule diameters range from 11.95-24.5 μm. Polyhedral and irregular shapes with slightly eccentric hila, fissures, and uneven surfaces. Polarized microscopy displays X-shaped and narrow curved extinction crosses. These are provisionally classified as originating from root/tuber plants or Fagaceae plants. Category E (3 granules): Damaged and unidentifiable due to structural degradation. Analytical results indicate three identifiable starch types in Maludong specimens: Poaceae-type (likely wild cereals), Quercus-type (acorns), and Amorphophallus-type (konjac tubers). Notably, gelatinized starch aggregates observed on the surface of specimen MLDG1902 (deciduous first molar) from Maludong suggest plant-based dietary practices involving food processing techniques such as cooking or roasting. In contrast, Tangzigou samples yielded Quercus-type starch alongside unclassified root/tuber varieties. These findings indicate prolonged reliance on subterranean plant resources and Fagaceae nuts. Integrating regional Holocene climate data, this dietary pattern may correlate with the high biomass production of nut-bearing trees (e.g.,Quercus) and geophytes under warm, humid conditions characteristic of evergreen broad-leaved forests. Such environments provided a sustainable resource base for human exploitation. The persistent utilization of acorns and underground storage organs reflects adaptive strategies to ecological constraints, balancing caloric returns with seasonal availability. Future research should systematically expand sampling to include ancient human dental remains from other terminal Paleolithic sites in Yunnan, such as the Yiliang Zhangkou Cave site, Fuyuan Dahe site, Chenggong Longtanshan site, and Jinghong Naminnan Cave site—locations with both regional representativeness and chronological continuity. This approach aims to trace the evolution of plant resource utilization by prehistoric humans during critical periods of environmental change, explore how dietary adaptations responded to ecological shifts, and provide key evidence for understanding human adaptive strategies in Southwest China’s mountainous regions since the late Pleistocene. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Lithic assemblage and adaptive behaviors of hominins at Hualongdong site PEI Shuwen, DONG Zhe, GENG Shuaijie, YE Zhi, MA Dongdong, ZHANG Yameng, JIN Zetian Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 765-778.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0070 Abstract （3882）   HTML （95）    PDF（pc） （4025KB）（351）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong (HLD) site (latitude 30°06′34.1′′N, longitude 116°56′54.2′′E, 40 m above sea level) is located in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, China. It was initially discovered in 1988, the excavations at the site in 2006, and from 2014 to 2024 resulted in the discovery of more than 20 individual human fossils, an abundance of lithic artifacts and mammalian fauna. The original cave deposits was about 20 m higher above its current location. Synsedimentary dismantlement, downward slippage, and bedrock weathering are indicated by the brecciated arrangement of the limestone rock blocks, cemented angular, subangular clasts and archaeological remains within the excavation area. Uranium-Thorium dating of speleothems and animal teeth from the brecciated deposits indicated that early human occupied the site most probably took place in the late Middle Pleistocene, ca. 300 ka (270~330 ka). This paper presents the lithic technology and the adapted behaviors adopted by humans at the site. The Hualongdong lithic assemblage consists of 322 artifacts which can be divided into Detatched pieces [flakes (N=79; 24.6%), debitage shatters (N=96; 29.8%), bipolar elements (N=45; 14.0%)], Flaked pieces [cores (N=65, 20.2%), core fragments (N=4; 0.3%), bipolar cores (N=2; 0.6%), retouched pieces (N=22; 6.8%)] and Pounded pieces (8 hammerstones and 1 anvil). Lithic raw material includes quartz/quartzite and lava show fluvial cortex and suggests sourcing from streams, while chert nodules and some quartz rock block derive from the outcrop of chert and quartz -bearing bed in bands within siliceous carbonate-clastic strata formation in the surrounding landscape. Quartz is the predominant (87.9%) rock type. Technologically, cores, debitage shatter, and bipolar elements from HLD indicate that freehand percussion was the major knapping technique, while the use of hammer-and-anvil technique is the complementary technique to knap cobble and low-quality quartz. HLD reduction sequences are relatively short, non-organized and without core preparation, resulting in a low degree of standardization in flake morphologies and dimensions. Albeit scarce, retouched pieces are present in HLD lithic assemblage, with an average proportion of 6.8%. Retouch is normally on flakes or flake fragments even cobbles. Scraper dominants the tool type, followed by chopper, denticulate, notch and point. Retouch is casual in HLD assemblages, with no imposition of standardized shapes on blanks. The HLD lithic assemblage can be assigned to Oldowan-like or Mode 1 technology in east Asia as characterized by a simple technological design, low degree of standardization, expedient flaking, and a few non-standardized retouched flakes. All in all, the HLD core and flake technology includes bipolar flaking of low-quality quartz rock block and cobbles, and freehand flaking of chert, lava and quartz block fragments, which demonstrate knappers intentionally selected good-quality raw materials to manufacture small flakes and use them for some function. Most chert and relatively good quality of quartz flakes show use wear, probably associated with carcass processing given the presence of cutmarks on some bones. Furthermore, it can be inferred that the general feature of HLD toolkits were expediently made for the function of getting food from animal resources and the knapping strategy was adapted to the local resources in the HLD archaeological landscape. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Middle Pleistocene snakes from Hualongdong Site Loc.1, in Dongzhi County, Anhui SHI Jingsong, HU Haiqian, DENG Guodong, JIN Zetian Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 850-861.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0073 Abstract （3778）   HTML （20）    PDF（pc） （2623KB）（676）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong Site in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, is a well-known Middle Pleistocene archaeological site in East Asia associated with late archaic hominin activities. Here we initially report several postcranial snake fossils that discovered from Loc.1. In this study, we conducted a preliminary identification of these specimens based on integrative osteological comparison between fossils and extant snakes. Three families, five genera, and six extant species were identified, which can be attributed to extant taxa. Diagnosis for each identified genus was summarized. The zoogeographic composition of the snake assemblage is primarily characterized by South China, Oriental, and Monsoonal elements. Among them, the Oriental tropical type Ptyas cf. carinata is most frequently recorded. The snake fauna might reveal a warmer and more humid climate in Hualongdong Site during the late Middle Pleistocene compared to the present. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Dietary ecology of gaur from the Hualongdong site in Anhui Province ZHENG Mingcong, WANG Jingyi, YAN Yi, CHEN Yiying, WU Yan Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (05): 895-905.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0071 Abstract （3746）   HTML （27）    PDF（pc） （2784KB）（524）       Knowledge map    Save The Hualongdong site in Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, represents the most comprehensive Paleolithic site in China since Zhoukoudian, yielding abundant hominin fossils alongside stone tools and other evidence of human activities. Notably, it has also produced a substantial assemblage of mammalian fossils. As a key species in China's Quaternary mammalian fauna, the Pleistocene gaur [Bos (Bibos) sp.] shares close phylogenetic relationships with its extant counterparts. However, systematic understanding of this fossil Bos (Bibos) sp. species remains limited due to fragmentary fossil materials and methodological constraints. The dental fossils of Bos (Bibos) sp. from Hualongdong site provide crucial materials for investigating its dietary habits, ecological niche, paleoenvironment and ecosystem. This study employs multidisciplinary approaches including CT three-dimensional modeling, phytolith analysis, and stable isotope analysis to systematically investigate Bos (Bibos) sp. dental fossils. CT modeling precisely identified dental calculus locations, enabling subsequent phytolith extraction and morphological characterization from calculus deposits. Concurrently, carbon stable isotope analysis was conducted on tooth enamel. Results reveal that the late Middle Pleistocene Hualongdong site Bos (Bibos) sp. feed on herbaceous plants of varying heights. Carbon isotope data indicate a primary reliance on C3 plants from the site and surrounding areas, supplemented by limited C4 plant consumption (δ13C values: -10.3‰ to -4.6‰). Phytolith analysis specifically indicates frequent ingestion of Poaceae and Zingiberales species. These findings collectively indicate that Bos (Bibos) sp. primarily foraged in warm environments dominated by C3 vegetation during the late Middle Pleistocene. The diverse phytolith assemblages and isotopic signatures reflect rich regional vegetation heterogeneity, providing ample food resources. Furthermore, the common occurrence of Pleistocene Bos (Bibos) sp. fossils in alluvial plains, mountain valleys, and karst caves suggests their preference for open forest areas with grassy patches. This ecological pattern aligns with their mixed dietary strategy of feeding on both C3 and C4 plants. This research establishes novel phytolith and isotopic records for understanding Bos (Bibos) sp. paleodietary ecology while contributing to Middle-Late Pleistocene paleoclimatic and paleoecological reconstructions in Anhui Province. The integrated methodology demonstrates the efficacy of combining Plant microfossils and geochemical proxies in paleodietary studies, offering insights into herbivore-environment interactions during the Pleistocene. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A preliminary report of 2022 excavation of Shangbaitang site in Anji County, Zhejiang Province LIU Yalin, WEI Tianxu, SHI Xiao, WANG Chunxue, SUN Xuefeng, QIU Hongliang Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 1120-1130.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0088 Abstract （3645）   HTML （35）    PDF（pc） （4615KB）（305）       Knowledge map    Save The Shangbaitang site is located in Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The site is buried in red clay deposits within the Xitiaoxi River basin. In 2022, the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and the Anji County Museum carried out excavations at the Shangbaitang site, covering an area of 1100 m2. Stone artifacts were unearthed in layer 3 and layer 4. Layer 3 is a homogeneous red soil layer, and stone products were mainly unearthed in this layer. Layer 4 is a reticulated red soil layer, and just unearthed a small amount of stone artifacts. According to the dating results, the age of layer 3 is 35~88 ka before present, and the age of layer 4 is more than 100 ka before present. A total of 889 stone artifacts were founded at this site, including 817 from Layer 3 and 47 from Layer 4, along with 25 collected from ground survey. The artifacts include stone cores, flakes, tools, broken blocks and fragments. Preliminary analysis indicates that the raw materials were mainly local gravels, primarily quartz sandstone and a high proportion of siliceous cobbles. Stone cores were percussed through freehand hammering without a prepared process, but the presence of discoidal and prismatic cores suggests some degree of organization in the reduction sequence, reflecting a progressive aspect of core-flake industry. Flakes were predominantly small. There is a low proportion of tools. Scraper was the dominant tool type, along with a small number of choppers, spheriods, and hammers. Tool blanks were mostly flakes with limited retouching, and finely retouched tools were almost absent. Additionally, 18 refitted groups of artifacts were identified, indicating minimal post-depositional disturbance. The early and middle Late Pleistocene was a crucial phase in human evolutionary history. During this period, the majority of sites in northern South China transformed into a lithic industry dominated by flake tools, but the cultural landscape of the lower Yangtze River region during this period remains unclear. Shangbaitang is a rare site that has undergone scientific excavation and dating, and has yielded a large number of stone artifacts. Compared to the Middle Pleistocene, the raw materials, sizes, and types of stone artifacts at this site have undergone significant changes. The proportion of small and medium-sized flake tools is significantly higher than that of large pebble tools, making it a typical representative site of the miniaturization and flaking of the pebble industry. In conclusion, the chronological data and lithic assemblages from the Shangbaitang site provide crucial materials for understanding the emergence and development of small flake tool industries in southern China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A preliminary report on the survey of Laoyatang Paleolithic site-complex in the Yuanmou Basin, Yunnan Province RUAN Qijun, ZHANG Shuai, LI Xiang, LIU Jianhui, GUO Xiangqi, LI Jun, CHE Decai, LI Junyi, ZHENG Xiaoyong, YONG Chun, WANG Zhenzhen, JIA Zhenxiu, LI Hao Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (06): 978-988.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2025.0090 Abstract （3548）   HTML （37）    PDF（pc） （4354KB）（318）       Knowledge map    Save During 2022~2023, the joint archaeological team of the Yuanmou hominin site conducted a systematic investigation in the Laoyatang region of the Yuanmou Basin. In total, eight Paleolithic sites with clear strategraphy have been found, along with 391 stone artifacts. Together, we name them as the Laoyatang Paleolithic site-complex. According to the depostional relationship among different sites, we can divide all stone artifacts into three phases. The first phase contains only two pieces, and thus the technological feature is not clear. The age of the first phase likely falls in the Middle Pleistocene or earlier. The second phase contains 133 stone artifacts and has been dated to ca. 74 ka-72 ka based on OSL dating, while the third phase contains 74 stone artifacts and was dated to ca. 56 ka-33 ka by OSL method. In addition, 182 stone artifacts have been collected from both surface and disturbed deposits. Lithic technologies in the second and third phases are close to each other and show expedient core-flake tools industry in general. On one hand, the finding of the Laoyatang Paleolithic site-complex provides valuable materials for reconstructing the evolutionary sequence of humans and Paleolithic culture following the Yuanmou hominind, and on the other hand, it provides important materials for deepening our understanding of human evolutionary history in Southwest China during the Late Pleistocene. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）