NANJING MAN Meaning and
Definition
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Nanjing Man refers to a significant prehistoric hominin discovered in the 1930s in the locality of Nanjing, China. Also known as Homo erectus nankinensis, Nanjing Man is an extinct species within the Homo genus that lived approximately 580,000 to 620,000 years ago in East Asia.
Nanjing Man is characterized by its robust physical features, resembling the typical traits of Homo erectus. These include a prominent brow ridge, a low forehead, a long and low skull, a wide face, and large, thickly built bones. The species exhibited an upright posture and bipedal locomotion, showcasing adaptations to a terrestrial lifestyle.
The discovery and subsequent study of Nanjing Man have provided crucial insights into the understanding of human evolution, particularly in relation to the movement and settlement of early hominins across different regions of Asia. The fossil remains were uncovered alongside stone tools, indicating rudimentary technological abilities. This suggests that Nanjing Man may have engaged in simple tool-making and potentially utilized fire.
The nanjingensis designation is derived from the locality where the fossils were found, namely Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. The excavation at Nanjing unearthed numerous fossils, allowing scientists to gain valuable knowledge about the morphology, behavior, and biogeography of Homo erectus populations in the Pleistocene epoch. Nanjing Man is regarded as a significant ancestor of modern humans, contributing to the human evolutionary lineage and the understanding of our ancient origins.
Etymology of NANJING MAN
The term "Nanjing Man" has its origins in archaeology, specifically related to the discovery of fossil remains in Nanjing, China.
The word "Nanjing" refers to the city of Nanjing, which is located in eastern China. The city has a long history and is known for its cultural and archaeological significance.
The word "man" in this context refers to a human-like creature or ancestor, indicating that the discovery in Nanjing was the fossilized remains of a prehistoric human or humanoid.
The specific etymology of the term "Nanjing Man" can be traced back to the early 20th century when the first significant fossil discoveries were made in Nanjing. However, it is important to note that the classification of these fossils has evolved over time, and modern anthropologists tend to refer to them as Homo erectus or Homo erectus yuanmouensis rather than "Nanjing Man".
