出版社：Anthropology Graduate Student Union, University of Toronto
摘要：The study of the Plio-Pliestocene environment at Makapansgat is characterized by debates over the chronology and ecological context of A. africanus . This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the organic and inorganic features of the site as well as of previous paleoecological interpretations, with focus on the potential habitat of A. africanus . Following an overview of the geology and lithostratigraphy of the Makapansgat, the issue of dating will be discussed in depth. A review of organic and inorganic materials will be provided, followed by a discussion of relevant taphonomic considerations. Further, previous paleoecological reconstructions will be analyzed and critiqued and the implications for A. africanus , and hominid evolution, will be discussed. Ultimately, it will be argued that during the Plio-Pleistocene, Makapansgat was a relatively moist environment with a flexible mosaic bush, woodland, and forest ecosystem. This mosaic of habitats supported a wide array of fauna including Australopithecus africanus , and may have encouraged the diversification of its dietary strategy, as well as its potential bipedal tendencies.
其他摘要：The study of the Plio-Pliestocene environment at Makapansgat is characterized by debates over the chronology and ecological context of A. africanus . This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the organic and inorganic features of the site as well as of previous paleoecological interpretations, with focus on the potential habitat of A. africanus . Following an overview of the geology and lithostratigraphy of the Makapansgat, the issue of dating will be discussed in depth. A review of organic and inorganic materials will be provided, followed by a discussion of relevant taphonomic considerations. Further, previous paleoecological reconstructions will be analyzed and critiqued and the implications for A. africanus , and hominid evolution, will be discussed. Ultimately, it will be argued that during the Plio-Pleistocene, Makapansgat was a relatively moist environment with a flexible mosaic bush, woodland, and forest ecosystem. This mosaic of habitats supported a wide array of fauna including Australopithecus africanus , and may have encouraged the diversification of its dietary strategy, as well as its potential bipedal tendencies.
