View from the Canopy Floor in the Cloud Forest Sanctuary, Xalapa, Mexico (IMAGE)

Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology

View from the Canopy Floor in the Cloud Forest Sanctuary, Xalapa, Mexico

Caption

Despite previous notions of tropical forests as "green deserts" not suitable for human habitation it is now clear that human occupation and modification of these habitats occurred as far back as 45,000 years ago. As our species expanded into these settings beyond Africa, they burnt vegetation to maintain resources patches and practiced specialized, sustainable hunting of select animals such as primates.

Credit

Patrick Roberts

Usage Restrictions

This image may only be used in the context of reporting on this publication and with appropriate credit information.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.