According to the researchers, early hominins faced numerous challenges in the African savanna, including the presence of large predators and the scarcity of food resources. They argue that fire provided a solution to these challenges by creating "fire refuges" where hominins could retreat for safety and take advantage of the benefits of fire.
The hypothesis is supported by several lines of evidence. First, the researchers analyzed the distribution of burned patches in the savanna and found that they were often located near water sources and important food resources, suggesting that hominins intentionally created these safe spaces. Second, they examined the remains of early hominin sites and found evidence of burned bones and other artifacts, indicating the presence of fire. Finally, they conducted experiments that demonstrated how fire could effectively deter predators and create a more favorable environment for hominins.
This new hypothesis provides a more comprehensive understanding of how human ancestors used fire and highlights the importance of this technology in their survival and success. It suggests that fire was not only used for practical purposes such as cooking and warmth but also played a crucial role in shaping human evolution by creating safe havens in a challenging environment.
