Chapter 318: Earth-Shattering Discovery! A Finding That Overturns the Scientific Community! (2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After all, polishing stone tools was the distinguishing factor between Homo Erectus and Homo Sapiens.
Homo sapiens would use both knapped and polished stone tools, employing high-tech and low-end products alike. However, as far as discoveries have shown, Homo Erectus had not yet developed the ability to use polished stone tools, solely relying on low-end knapped tools.
It was clear that Homo Sapiens were more intelligent, while Homo erectus did not possess the same level of intellect. Of course, this was because Homo erectus had more developed muscles. In contrast, Homo Sapiens had a weaker physical constitution, but their intelligence led them to evolve a higher level of intellect.
The differences between knapped and polished stone tools were as follows:
differing methods of production, representing different eras, and having different functions.
Different production methods: Knapped stone tools were created by striking stones, forming stone cores or flakes that were then shaped into tools with rather rough appearances. Polished stone tools were initially shaped like knapped stone tools, but then underwent a grinding and polishing process on whetstones, resulting in more refined shapes and functions.
Representing different eras: Knapped stone tools represented the Old Stone Age, while polished stone tools represented the New Stone Age.
Different functions: Knapped stone tools were adapted for hunting and gathering lifestyles with low efficiency. Polished stone tools, on the other hand, were adapted for agricultural lifestyles and offered significantly higher labor efficiency.
“This is truly defying scientific understanding!” Su Meiji exclaimed in horror. “We clearly discovered Homo Erectus, but polished stone tools have appeared as well?”
“Sister Su, why are you so agitated?” Li Shishi, who did not understand the significance, was not shocked.
It was like the story of Three Body: for the scientist Wang Miao, seeing the universe shine for him nearly caused a breakdown. But for someone who did not understand, they would only wonder why a scientist would feel like collapsing.
“Simply put, it is impossible for Homo Erectus to create polished stone tools.
Such refined weapons could not have been made by them!” Su Meiji explained.
“At first, when we saw so many large fossils of ancient creatures, I thought this must be a Homo Sapiens site! The animal fossils were their kills.” Su Meiji continued, “But after the Homo Erectus skull was unearthed… We reluctantly concluded that these large ancient creatures might not have been hunted by Homo Erectus, but rather were buried by a disaster!”
“However, later on, polished stone tools appeared…”
“Frankly speaking, the polished stone tools we found just now require a long period of mastery by Homo Sapiens to achieve. It is utterly impossible for Homo Erectus to replicate this feat!” Su Meiji said.
Luo Feng was also puzzled now. When he measured the skulls’ cranial capacity earlier, although his method was crude, the margin of error would not have been significant. Moreover, the skull was consistent with Homo Erectus features.
“If these skulls are not Homo Erectus, then the discovery of polished stone tools cannot be explained!” Luo Feng reasoned.
“I think either the skull is Homo Erectus, or the stone tools are polished stone tools. There must be an error between the two!” Dr. Wu suggested, as placing the two together seemed incorrect. It was certain that one or both must be wrong.
“What if both are correct?” Luo Feng wondered.
“There is also the possibility that the skull is Homo erectus!” Luo Feng continued, “And the polished stone tools were left by Homo sapiens who lived here later?”
“Isn’t it like discovering artifacts from the Xia Dynasty in a tomb from the Qin Dynasty? That would be normal, right?” Luo Feng asked.
Upon hearing this, Wu Yingxiong shook his head and said, “Unlikely. Based on the site’s condition, the fossils should belong to the same period.”
Li Shishi and the wealthy heirs were baffled, as the discussion touched on their areas of ignorance.
“Science requires bold speculation. Could it be that Homo Erectus actually mastered the technique of making polished stone tools?” Qin Rubing argued impatiently. “Why must you be so rigid in your thinking? I am speechless.”
“Uh, Rubing, your conjecture is very bold. If it is proven true, the whole world will tremble,” Luo Feng laughed, then added, “However, I am a bit worried you might be burned at the stake.”
“Ah?” Qin Rubing was confused. “Why?”
“Because the person who proposed the heliocentric theory was burned at the stake, as well as the one who claimed the Earth was round!” Luo Feng said with a faint smile.
In the scientific community, when a revolutionary idea or knowledge emerged, it would often be deemed heretical. Those who believed they held the truth would not allow their views to be challenged.
“Some people don’t understand what’s going on here. Polished stone tools were made by Homo Sapiens, while the skulls belonged to Homo Erectus. They’re just products of two different generations!” someone remarked.
“Didn’t you hear the analysis just now? They said the site was flooded and buried, meaning the fossils here belonged to the same period.”
“Well, I don’t know then. Homo erectus could not possibly have mastered the technique of making polished stone tools.”
Luo Feng could not see the comments, but he continued digging nonetheless. Yet another human skull was unearthed. After measuring some data, it was confirmed to be a Homo Erectus skull.
Tens of minutes passed, and when Luo Feng dug up another treasure spot, Wu Yingxiong looked at the object and could not help but exclaim, “Is this really flint?”
Both of them were puzzled. Dr. Wu slapped his forehead and said in disbelief, “How could there be flint here? This is too strange, isn’t it?”
“Indeed, it’s very odd!” Luo Feng furrowed his brow.
So, what exactly was flint? Flint, commonly known as firestone, was a relatively common type of siliceous rock. Dense and hard, it was typically gray or black and, when broken, exhibited a shell-like fracture surface..
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