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.
