WC Pei's Contribution: He Discovered Peking Man

Introduction:
WC Pei, also known as Wen-Chung Pei, was a Chinese archaeologist and anthropologist. He made significant contributions to the field of paleoanthropology and is best known for his discovery of Peking Man.

Discovery of Peking Man:
WC Pei's most notable contribution was the discovery of Peking Man, also known as Sinanthropus pekinensis. Peking Man refers to a group of fossilized human remains found near Beijing (formerly known as Peking), China.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Pei, along with his colleagues, excavated the Zhoukoudian site, which turned out to be a treasure trove of ancient human fossils. The site contained numerous remains of Homo erectus, including skulls, teeth, and bones. These fossils were dated to be around 750,000 to 200,000 years old.

Significance of Peking Man Discovery:
The discovery of Peking Man was of immense significance as it provided valuable insights into human evolution and the migration of early humans. The fossils found at the Zhoukoudian site represented an extinct human species that lived in East Asia.

Key Findings from Peking Man:
Some of the key findings from the Peking Man fossils include:

1. Cranial Features: The Peking Man skulls had distinct features, such as a large braincase, a prominent brow ridge, and a receding forehead.

2. Tool Use: The presence of stone tools and evidence of fire use suggested that Peking Man had developed basic tool-making and fire-control skills.

3. Social Behavior: The discovery of numerous individuals at the Zhoukoudian site indicated that Peking Man lived in communities and exhibited social behavior.

4. Human Migration: The presence of Homo erectus in East Asia provided evidence for the early migration of humans out of Africa and their spread across different regions.

Impact of Pei's Discovery:
WC Pei's discovery of Peking Man had a significant impact on the field of paleoanthropology. It shed light on the evolutionary history of early humans and their adaptations to different environments. The Peking Man fossils became iconic examples of human evolution and were studied by researchers worldwide.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, WC Pei's contribution to the field of paleoanthropology was his discovery of Peking Man. This significant find expanded our understanding of human evolution and migration. The Peking Man fossils continue to be a valuable resource for studying our ancient human ancestors.