The University of Queensland

Modern Human Origins and Early Behavioural Complexity in Australia and South East Asia (2011–2015)

Abstract:

The project explores the nature of human behaviour when people first colonised SE Asia and Australia. Those traces that exist in Australia appear to contradict evidence from Europe and Africa but still point to an innovative population adjusting to a mosaic of vastly different environments and social settings in complex ways. In contrast to Europe and Africa, excavations in our region remain small and poorly dated. This project will re-excavate three of the oldest sites with known manifestations of behavioural complexity to enlarge the sample, improve dating and revise our understanding of this crucial period in the evolution of our species.

Grant type:

ARC Discovery Projects

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Chris Clarkson

  Professor
  

  School of Social Science

  Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Funded by:

Australian Research Council