Often it is claimed that the modern Aurignacian stone tools found in Europe
are always associated with anatomically modern man. Since these tools first
appear around 40,000 years ago, it is often claimed that this is when
anatomically modern man invaded Europe replacing Neanderthal. Yet, there are
no securely dated anatomically modern human skeletons from prior to 26 kyr
although there are some claims to 32 kyr dates. Thus, the tools have become
the proxy for modern humans. However, as I have pointed out several times,
a case can be made that Neanderthals actually invented the Aurignacian as it
is first found in Spain, which was the last place occupied by anatomically
modern men.
This week there was an Arizona State University press release noting that
there is no sharp break to be seen in the archaeological record in Europe
where it concerns tools. This means that moderns sometimes behaved modernly
and sometimes primitively and that this probably applies to Neanderthals as
well. The release can befound at:
http://clasdean.la.asu.edu/news/replacement.htm
glenn
see http://www.glenn.morton.btinternet.co.uk/dmd.htm
for lots of creation/evolution information
anthropology/geology/paleontology/theology\
personal stories of struggle
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