Cave discovery pushes back evidence of human ancestors using fire to 1.79M years ago

Researchers analyzing samples from South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave found evidence of fire use dating to 1.79 million years ago, according to a study by scientists examining ash deposits and burned materials in the cave. The findings extend the known timeline of fire use by early human ancestors by approximately 400,000 years beyond previously documented evidence. The research was based on analysis of sediment layers and charred remains recovered from the archaeological site.

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