Peking Man

Peking Man, also known as Sinanthropus pekinensis, is an important fossil discovery in the field of paleoanthropology. This hominin species lived in the Middle Pleistocene period, approximately 750,000 years ago, in what is now known as Zhoukoudian, near Beijing, China. The discovery of Peking Man has provided valuable insights into human evolution and our understanding of early human history.

Discovery

The first fossil remains of Peking Man were discovered in the 1920s by Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson and his Chinese colleague, Otto Zdansky. The excavation site, known as Zhoukoudian, yielded a wealth of fossils, including skull fragments, teeth, and other skeletal remains. These fossils were initially classified as a new species, Sinanthropus pekinensis, later renamed Homo erectus pekinensis.

Physical Characteristics

Peking Man exhibited several physical characteristics that are typical of Homo erectus. The skull had a low, elongated shape with a prominent brow ridge and a receding forehead. The brain size was estimated to be around 1,000 cubic centimeters, which is smaller than modern humans but larger than earlier hominin species. The teeth were robust, indicating a diet that included tough and fibrous foods.

Cultural Significance

The discovery of Peking Man provided significant evidence of early human cultural behavior. Excavations at Zhoukoudian revealed evidence of fire use, stone tools, and animal remains with cut marks, suggesting that Peking Man had the ability to control fire and engage in hunting and butchering activities. These findings challenged the prevailing belief that complex cultural behaviors were exclusive to modern humans.

Controversies and Disappearance

The study of Peking Man has not been without controversies. During World War II, the fossils were packed and shipped to the United States for safekeeping but were lost in transit and never recovered. Only plaster casts and photographs remain of the original fossils. The disappearance of the original specimens has hindered further research and analysis.

Legacy and Influence

Despite the loss of the original fossils, the discovery of Peking Man has had a lasting impact on the field of paleoanthropology. It provided crucial evidence for the existence of Homo erectus outside of Africa and demonstrated the cultural capabilities of early humans. Peking Man remains an important reference point for understanding human evolution and the migration patterns of our ancestors.

See Also

• Homo erectus
• Zhoukoudian
• Paleoanthropology