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The Ādam Paradox Hypothesis
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Refugia as Crucibles
Curtis Marean (2010) proposed the “South African Refugium Hypothesis”
:
small populations clustered on the southern coast, exploiting shellfish and
marine resources.
“These groups, confined to refugia, innovated symbolic behaviors such as ochre use and shell
ornaments, which later spread when climates improved.
” (Marean, 2010, p. 430)
Thus, harsh climates may have been incubators of innovation, even while
reducing numbers.
Climate Windows for Dispersal
Interglacial phases (MIS 5,
~130–71 ka) opened humid corridors across the
Sahara and Arabian Peninsula. These “green windows” allowed expansions into
Arabia and the Levant. Petraglia et al. (2010) documented Middle Stone Age
tools in Arabia dating to these windows.
“Homo sapiens repeatedly expanded into Arabia during humid phases, retreating as climates
dried.
” (Petraglia et al., 2010, p. 1069)
These windows aligned with sparks of symbolism. When environments closed,
traditions collapsed.
Table 6.2 — Climate Windows and Refugia
Takeaway: Climate cycles created pulses of opportunity and contraction,
shaping human evolution.