90,000-year-old human footprints found on Moroccan beach

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In summary, researchers have discovered ancient human footprints estimated to be around 90,000 years old on a beach in Morocco. This significant find provides valuable insights into early human behavior and migration patterns, suggesting that humans may have inhabited coastal areas much earlier than previously thought. The footprints, preserved in a layer of sand, highlight the adaptability and movement of early humans in their environment.
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An international team of archaeologists has found and identified a trackway made by multiple humans approximately 90,000 years ago in what is now Morocco. In their paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group describes how they tested for its origins of the tracks.
Full article here.

https://phys.org/news/2024-01-year-human-footprints-moroccan-beach.html

Paper here https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52344-5

"From an ichnological point of view, the Larache footprints represent an important discovery. Indeed, no other site in North Africa has yielded footprints dating from the Pleistocene or Pliocene. They are, therefore, the oldest human footprints in this region and among the oldest footprints attributed to Homo sapiens worldwide."

From google : Ichnology is the study of the fossilized tracks, trails, burrows and excavations made by animals and more broadly the study of bioturbation, which is the reworking of sediment by animals. Ichnologists use ichnofossils or trace fossils to interpret paleoecological aspects of sedimentary environments.

A link on the dating technique used

OSL, Optically Stimulated Luminescence

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optically_stimulated_luminescence

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminescence_dating
 
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Guess those were Mousterians walking. Maybe going up to mix with some Neanderthals at a music festival.
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FAQ: 90,000-year-old human footprints found on Moroccan beach

What is the significance of the 90,000-year-old human footprints found on the Moroccan beach?

The discovery of the 90,000-year-old human footprints is significant because it provides insight into early human behavior, migration patterns, and the environment of prehistoric humans. It suggests that humans were present in North Africa much earlier than previously thought and may indicate complex social interactions and movement across the landscape.

How were the footprints preserved for such a long time?

The footprints were preserved due to specific environmental conditions that allowed for the formation of a hardened layer of sediment. The right combination of moisture, temperature, and geological processes helped to create a natural mold of the footprints, protecting them from erosion and other natural elements over thousands of years.

What can we learn about early human life from these footprints?

The footprints can provide valuable information about the physical characteristics, gait, and behavior of early humans. They may also offer clues about group dynamics, such as whether the footprints were made by individuals or groups, and can help researchers understand the social structures and daily activities of these ancient populations.

What methods were used to date the footprints?

The footprints were likely dated using radiometric dating techniques, such as carbon dating or thermoluminescence, which can determine the age of organic and inorganic materials. These methods help establish a timeline for when the footprints were made, allowing scientists to place them within the broader context of human evolution and migration.

How do these footprints compare to other ancient human footprints found elsewhere?

These footprints are among the oldest known examples of human footprints, and they can be compared to other significant discoveries, such as the Laetoli footprints in Tanzania. By analyzing differences in size, depth, and arrangement, researchers can gain insights into the diversity of early human species and their adaptations to different environments over time.

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