PALEO-ENVIRONMENTAL RECONSTRUCTION DURING THE PERIOD OF NANJING HOMO ERECTUS

Key words: 
• Nanjing Tangshan Homo Erectus /
• Mid Pleistocene Epoch /
• paleo-environmental reconstruction /
• paleo-fauna and paleo flora

Abstract: Using five group dating of the fossil by Uranium series age method shows that the age of Nanjing Homo Erectus is between 280-430 ka B. P. Combining with the analysis of fossil mammalian form Stegodon, Sus.Lydekkeri Zdansly, M.pachyosteus Young, P.grayi Zdansky and E.SanmeniensisTeilhard et Pive teau, which are located in the same stratum, the authors thinks that the Nanjing Homo Erectus may have lived in the late Mid Pleistocene (about 350 ka B.P.). Based upon the spores and pollen in the cave sediments of the area, we can find that most of spores and pollen are subtropical and warm temperature types. For instance, broad leaf trees which are fond of warm climate, including Cunning hamia, Jsuga and Pinus ,as well as Morus, Carpinus and Ptendium. Among the above spores and pollen, only Tsuga,Liquidambar, Betula,Ulmus and Salix are the remainders of Humid hot environment from the Tertiary period. Above evidences illustrate that the living environment of the Nanjing Homo Erectus not only was not cloder but also was not drier than the Peking Man's. It could be said that dry climate and the ice age of the Mid Pleistocene didn't undergo this area.As for the manner of the Homo Erectus's making stone artifact and using fire, because now we have not found the evidence of the stone artifact and the ash, the futher excavation to the talus of the Huludong cave should be needed.