一份精密的气候与人文互动档案（考古进行时）

Core Insights - The research at the Xinglong site reveals the transition of early humans from a nomadic lifestyle to a semi-sedentary existence, ultimately leading to low-intensity agricultural production, providing a valuable case study for understanding human adaptation to environmental changes in East Asia [2][6][8] Environmental Evolution - The climate environment in the region has undergone three main phases since the Holocene: 1. A warming and humidification period from approximately 11,700 to 10,000 years ago, where vegetation transitioned from cold grasslands to forest grasslands, creating an ecological foundation for human activities [5] 2. A warm and humid period from 10,000 to 5,000 years ago, particularly between 10,000 and 7,100 years ago, where human exploitation of forest resources inhibited natural expansion [5] 3. A cooling and arid period since 5,000 years ago, leading to vegetation degradation and significant water body shrinkage [5] Agricultural Development - Evidence shows that as early as 8,000 years ago, charred millet and foxtail millet seeds were found at the Xinglong site, indicating that agriculture was not the primary means of survival but rather an experimental or supplementary activity [6][7] - The transition to agriculture was influenced by a warm and humid climate that allowed for the cultivation of certain plants, while human activities actively modified the environment to support these crops [6][8] Societal Changes - The period from 8,150 to 7,100 years ago marked a flourishing of Neolithic culture, with archaeological findings indicating a more stable population and complex social structures, alongside an increase in the number of cultivated crops [7] - The interaction between stable population growth and environmental resource utilization led to deeper impacts on the ecosystem, highlighting the relationship between climate, population stability, and societal evolution [7][8] Historical Significance - The research underscores the importance of the Xinglong site in understanding the independent origins of agriculture in China, pushing back the timeline for the cultivation of millet and foxtail millet, and reinforcing the region's status as a center for agricultural origins [7][8] - The findings provide insights into human adaptability and resilience in the face of climate fluctuations, offering lessons for contemporary agricultural transformations and ecological policies [8]