In 1983, scientists found an old bone with arrowheads inside in South Africa. They kept it in a storage room until 2022. Researchers from the University of Johannesburg studied the bone. They discovered it had the oldest known plant toxin mixture for arrows. This shows the advanced knowledge of ancient people.
The bone was X-rayed again with better technology. Chemical analysis showed toxic substances in the bone that are not from nearby plants. This suggests people traveled far to get them.
In history, hunters used poisonous plants and animals to make their weapons more effective. In southern Africa, they combined different poisons for arrows. The earliest evidence of poison dates back 24,000 years. Research continues to uncover more ancient uses of poison in hunting.
This study helps us learn how ancient people used natural resources for survival. It shows their intelligence and skills in combining plant toxins for hunting. The findings teach us about the past and how people lived long ago.
Vocabulary List:
- Discovered /dɪsˈkʌv.ərd/ (verb): Found or uncovered something that was previously unknown.
- Toxin /ˈtɒk.sɪn/ (noun): A toxic substance produced by living cells or organisms.
- Evidence /ˈev.ɪ.dəns/ (noun): Facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
- Combined /kəmˈbaɪnd/ (verb): Brought or put together.
- Analysis /əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/ (noun): A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
- Intelligence /ɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.dʒəns/ (noun): The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
How much do you know?
What did scientists find inside an old bone in South Africa in 1983?
What is the significance of the discovery of plant toxin mixture in the bone?
How far did the chemical analysis suggest people may have traveled to obtain toxins for the arrows?
What is one of the uses of poisonous plants and animals in hunting mentioned in the text?
Based on the historical evidence mentioned, how long ago does the use of poison in hunting date back?
What does the study mentioned in the text help us comprehend about ancient people?
The bone with arrowheads was found in South America in 1983.
The chemical analysis of the bone showed toxins only from nearby plants.
Ancient hunters did not use poisonous substances for hunting purposes.
The study unearthed evidence of poison use in hunting from 24,000 years ago.
The researchers found no link between poison use and improved hunting efficiency.
The study indicates that ancient people lacked skills in utilizing natural resources.
The bone was kept in a storage room until .
The researchers who studied the bone were from the University of .
The mixture of plant toxins discovered in the bone is believed to date back years.
The combination of different poisons for arrows was common in southern .
The analysis of the bone confirmed the presence of toxic substances not locally sourced, indicating people may have traveled to obtain them.
This study sheds light on the intelligence and skills of ancient people in utilizing resources for survival.
