Humans |
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Ancient humans Ancient humans usually lived in caves. The caves in Sterkfontein in South Africa were occupied 1.5 million years ago, by homo erectus. These ancient people knew how to use fire. The things that they used fire for in their caves were cooking, keeping warm and frightening off wild animals. The Neanderthals also lived in caves. During the ice age in Europe cave communities emerged in Yugoslavia, France and Spain. These early people who lived in caves had to avoid other cave dwellers such as bears and hyenas and hazards such as flooding and rockfalls. They painted on the walls history and records ( see Lascaux caves ). Other hominids lived in giant caves near Zhoukoudian in China. The Aboriginal people of Australia were one of many races to use caves, leaving cave painting and grinding holes. Modern Humans Now we don't live in caves but still love to visit them. You can take guided tours, go spelunking, go for hikes to cave paintings and in Coober Pedy you can go hunting for opals. Spelunking Spelunking is also known as caving. This sport is where you go through a cave with out a handrail or steps. Spelunkers wear waterproof clothes and a helmet with a light. Because they are travelling far into cave systems they also carry specialised equipment. Sometimes this includes diving equipment and oxygen tanks. It is a great experience. Another great thing to do in caves is take a guided tour.It is not as extreme as spelunking but it is still quite fun. Many of the worlds great caves are in national parks and heritage sites where millions of people can visit them each year. Mining Caves often contain minerals which are useful to humans. For example in parts of the UK caves were found to be rich in minerals and metals. The caves provided a source of raw materials such as lead, slate and gemstones that could be traded. |
Neanderthal (above). Pennines caves (below) |