Overview
A research team identified the presence of macaques in northern Germany, specifically at the Schöningen archaeological site in Lower Saxony, dating back more than 300,000 years. This determination was made through the examination of a macaque tooth. The findings were published in the journal Quaternary Environments and Humans.
Research Context
The study focused on a tooth recovered from the Schöningen archaeological site. This site is situated in Lower Saxony, northern Germany.
Approach
A research team, composed of members from the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tübingen and Leiden University in the Netherlands, conducted an examination of a single tooth. The methodology employed for this examination is not detailed in the source.
Findings
The examination of the tooth established that it belonged to a macaque. This particular macaque specimen was determined to be more than 300,000 years old. The identification of a macaque at the Schöningen site indicates that these primates were present in northern Germany during this period.
Why This Matters
The presence of macaques in northern Germany more than 300,000 years ago suggests that the climate conditions in the region were suitable for these primates during that time. Macaques are known to inhabit warmer environments, implying a period of warmer conditions in northern Germany.