Hunting Stick Answers

1. Why is the "short, pointed, piece of wood" so important?

It provides evidence that early human relatives in Europe were not simple scavengers. Instead it suggests that they were able to hunt which requires the ability to design & prepare weapons and the need to communicate about how to bring down large animals. One can imagine how these traits would allow them to gain access to more energy rich (meat is fatty) sources of food with large amount of protein.

2. What era is the stick from?

The stick is from the Quaternary Period, Cenozoic Era, Middle to late Pleistocene epoch about 300,000 years ago.

3. What extinct animal used these sticks?

It is thought that early hominids (human ancestors) used the stick. Possibly Homo neanderthalensis or Homo heidelbergensis...two species in the same genus as modern humans (Homo sapiens).

4. Why is Schoningen Germany such a rich source of evidence for extinct species?

During the ancient time period we are referencing this area was covered in water, in the form of still lakes/ponds. This provides muddy still sediment that prevents the decay of organic material and preserves the remains of once living organisms extremely well.

5. What is the hunting spear made of?

The hunting spear is made of 1 solid piece fo spruce wood.

6. Do all scientists agree on the theory that it was a hunting spear?

No, in fact some archeologists argue that there's not enough damage (dents) in the stick to suggest that it was in fact used for hunting as the other scientists suggest. Further research into the stick includes ballistic modeling to see if it's shape could be formed from the suggested hunting activity.