Biochronological framework of Homo erectus horizons in China

A total of 15 sites yielding Homo erectus were discovered in China. Numerical age dating results vary from different authors. In an attempt to evaluate and possibly refine controversial dating results, the author proposes five stages as a biochronological framework for Homo erectus horizons in China by sequencing all hominin horizons according to fauna antiquity coefficients, faunal binary similarity coefficients, faunal extinction rates, and ecological composition similarities of the faunas. The first stage is associated with the arrival of Homo erectus in East Asia, and the last stage is associated with the decline and final disappearance of Homo erectus as well as arrival of Homo sapiens in East Asia. The faunas experienced some kind of critical transition or turnover in the third stage.