ABSTRACT Newly described Oldowan stone tools from Swartkrans Member 1 Lower Bank have highlighted important differences in raw material use and knapping methods when compared to Sterkfontein Member 5 East. This variability has been correlated to contrasting habitats surrounding these caves and the presence of carnivores, suggesting that ecological factors may have influenced tool manufacturing in the Early Pleistocene. However, the strength of behavioral ecological interpretations rests upon the identification of adaptive advantages in employing specific reduction strategies. Knapping experiments are used to compare the flaking efficiency of bipolar and freehand reduction, which measures the rate at which these methods convert core mass into cutting edge length. Results suggest that bipolar knapping is an efficient means of producing useable flakes, and its use at Swartkrans potentially reflects adaptations to limiting predation risks.

中文翻译：

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探索捕食风险对南非Oldowan工具使用的影响

摘要Swartkrans成员1下岸新近描述的Oldowan石材工具强调了与Sterkfontein成员5 East相比，原材料使用和绑扎方法的重要差异。这种变化与这些洞穴周围的栖息地形成对比以及食肉动物的存在相关，这表明生态因素可能影响了更新世早期的工具制造。但是，行为生态学解释的强度取决于在采用特定减少策略时对适应性优势的识别。打实验用于比较双极性和徒手还原的剥落效率，后者测量了这些方法将铁心质量转化为切削刃长度的速率。