Evolution of Homo in the Middle and Late Pleistocene

Bibliographic Data

ID5708673
AuthorsK Harvati (0000-0001-5998-4794, University of Tübingen, corresponding author), Hugo Reyes‐centeno (0000-0002-0179-3941, University of Kentucky), Hugo Reyes-Centeno
Year2022
Volume173
Pages103279
Publication date2022-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Human Evolution (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-2484 • E-ISSN: 1095-8606
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103279
PMID36375244
OpenAlexW4309098259
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited169

The Middle and Late Pleistocene is arguably the most interesting period in human evolution. This broad period witnessed the evolution of our own lineage, as well as that of our sister taxon, the Neanderthals, and related Denisovans. It is exceptionally rich in both fossil and archaeological remains, and uniquely benefits from insights gained through molecular approaches, such as paleogenetics and paleoproteomics, that are currently not widely applicable in earlier contexts. This wealth of information paints a highly complex picture, often described as 'the Muddle in the Middle,' defying the common adage that 'more evidence is needed' to resolve it. Here we review competing phylogenetic scenarios and the historical and theoretical developments that shaped our approaches to the fossil record, as well as some of the many remaining open questions associated with this period. We propose that advancing our understanding of this critical time requires more than the addition of data and will necessitate a major shift in our conceptual and theoretical framework

Archaeology · Biology · Evolutionary biology · Fossil Record · Geography · Human evolution · Lineage (genetic) · Period (music) · Pleistocene · Evolution and Paleontology Studies · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Geology · Paleontology · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology

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