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Models and realities in modern human origins: the African fossil evidence

Abstract

The recent application of such chronometric techniques as electron spin resonance (ESR), thermoluminescence (TL), and uranium series dating has had a significant impact on perceptions of modern human origins. Claims for the presence of anatomically modern humans in Africa prior to 100 ka and for the transition leading to modern Africans at an even earlier date have been made, partly based on results of these techniques. However, a careful examination of the pertinent record shows that these claims are not unequivocally supported by the available fossil and chronological evidence.

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This Issue

29 August 1992

Volume 337Issue 1280

Article Information

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1992.0102
PubMed:1357699
Published by:Royal Society
Print ISSN:0962-8436
Online ISSN:1471-2970

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Published online01/01/1997
Published in print29/08/1992

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Models and realities in modern human origins: the African fossil evidence

Abstract

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