Poison discovery shows early humans were very advanced hunters
Earth.com • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers discovered 60,000-year-old traces of plant poison from the bulb plant Boophone disticha on stone arrowheads at Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in South Africa, indicating deliberate use of toxic compounds for hunting.
- Chemical analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified alkaloids buphanidrine and epibuphanisine on multiple arrowheads, supporting the idea that early humans used plant poisons to weaken prey over time.
- The presence of similar poison residues on 250-year-old arrowheads suggests a long-standing tradition of using plant toxins in hunting across generations in southern Africa.
- The findings imply advanced planning, knowledge transmission, and teamwork among early humans, as preparing and using poisoned arrows requires careful handling and patience
