Humans 'on the Tibetan Plateau 3,600 years ago'
Updated: 2014-11-22 08:19
(China Daily/Agencies)
|
||||||||
People probably moved to the Tibetan highlands 3,600 years ago - an indication of when humans first settled at high altitudes, according to researchers.
Humans were able to settle permanently as high as 3,400 meters on the Tibetan Plateau, which is known as "the roof of the world", by growing altitude-resistant crops and raising livestock, according to a study published in the US journal Science on Thursday.
They survived on wheat and barley imported from the Middle East and on transplants from China such as broomcorn and foxtail millet, said the researchers from China, the United States and Cambridge University in Britain.
"Year-round survival at these altitudes must have led to some very challenging conditions indeed," said lead researcher Martin Jones from Cambridge University's Department of Archaeology.
"This poses further, interesting questions for researchers about the adaptation of humans, livestock and crops to life at such dizzying heights," Jones added.
A sporadic human presence was detected on the plateau as early as 20,000 years ago, while semi-permanent settlers arrived 5,200 years ago.
Researchers said early humans probably first traveled to the plateau to hunt animals, but the discovery of altitude-resistant crops allowed them to put down roots there.
The researchers examined the remains of pigs, sheep and cattle as well as plants at 53 sites across 1,280 km of the northern Tibetan Plateau.
- Sports moments of the week: Nov 17-23
- 42nd American Music Awards held in Los Angeles
- A retrospection of righted wrongs
- Top 10 kinds of foreigners in China
- Anxious Ferguson waits for grand jury's decision
- Mascots from Olympic, Paralympic games arrive in Rio
- China's boxer Zou Shiming defeats unbeaten Thai
- Mountains echo to the sound of music
Most Viewed
Economy on path of steady growth[1]|chinadaily.com.cn
Gay sex poses HIV threat for youth|Society|chinadaily.com.cn
Japan to release videos of Chinese activists|Asia-Pacific|chinadaily.com.cn
Gay sex blamed for rise in young students with HIV/AIDS|Society|chinadaily.com.cn
More young adults living with parents|Americas|chinadaily.com.cn
Magazine seeks Guangzhou expat families to tour Fujian[1]|chinadaily.com.cn
World's longest sightseeing escalator awaits you in Central China[4]|chinadaily.com.cn
Dai Ethnic Group[1]|chinadaily.com.cn
Minmetals unit offers sponge city solutions for rainfall usage|Business|chinadaily.com.cn
Licenses revoked in anti-porn campaign|Society|chinadaily.com.cn
Editor's Picks
World Internet Conference |
Drug abuse blamed for big increase in violence |
A commuter's last train |
Stock Connect unites HK, Shanghai |
Air force plans to modify pilot selection process |
Koalas steal the show at G20 in Brisbane |
Today's Top News
US aids in return of economic fugitives
80% of China's rich aspire to overseas education
International luxury hotels expand in China
Disney, SMG expand partnership
LA mayor visits Beijing
Subway-push victim mourned in Chinatown
China, Pacific island nations boost ties
Media reveals aircraft carrier base spying case
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |