中新网南阳2月5日电 (记者 韩章云)中外研究人员在河南南阳淅川县西沟遗址发现，东亚地区约16万年 至7.2万年前，已出现系统化的石器生产技术及目前已知最早的工具装柄技术。这一发现再一次证明东 亚地区在全球人类演化研究中的关键地位。相关研究成果于近期发表于国际学术期刊《自然：通讯》。 西沟遗址位于河南省南阳市淅川县境内，地处秦岭山脉南麓的丹江口库区，处于中国南北气候分界线和 古北界与东洋界生物地理区的交汇处。遗址于2017年在南水北调中线工程的考古调查中被发现，2019年 至2021年由北京联合大学应用文理学院教授宋国定主持发掘工作。 上述研究工作由中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所、北京联合大学、河南省文物考古研究院以及澳 大利亚、西班牙、美国等国内外十余家单位的专家学者从多个维度展开深入研究，最终取得这一重大突 破。(完) 考古研究表明，西沟遗址出土的2601件石制品呈现出专门化与多样性，包括刮削器、钻器、凹缺器、锯 齿刃器、尖状器、雕刻器等多种类型。功能分析还显示，这些石器具备丰富的使用功能，钻具可执行穿 刺、锯、切割、钻孔等多种操作，部分工具观察到加工植物的痕迹；还有工具同时展现出雕刻、削刮等 多种使 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the historical significance of the Ma'anshan area, highlighting the discovery of ancient human fossils known as "Ling Shan Ren" dating back approximately 20,000 years, which provides important clues for the study of human evolution in South China [2][3][7]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The Ma'anshan area has been a site of human activity for over 20,000 years, with evidence of prehistoric civilization emerging from the region [1]. - The discovery of human fossils and artifacts in the 1960s, including skulls and bones from multiple individuals, indicates that "Ling Shan Ren" lived during the late Paleolithic era and had developed the use of fire [2][3][6]. Group 2: Archaeological Findings - Numerous artifacts from the Neolithic era, such as stone tools and pottery, have been unearthed in the Ma'anshan area, further establishing its importance as an archaeological site [3][8]. - The East Victory Cave, where the "Ling Shan Ren" fossils were first discovered, remains a site of archaeological value, although it is currently not open to the public [3][4]. Group 3: Cultural Heritage - The Ma'anshan area has transformed into a heritage park, featuring walking trails and sculptures commemorating "Ling Shan Ren," reflecting the ongoing interest in the region's ancient history [7]. - The article emphasizes the continuity of human exploration and adaptation from prehistoric times to the present, symbolized by the cultural sites along the Pinglu Canal [8].