Plant exploitation and subsistence patterns of the Mesolithic in arid China: New evidence of plant macro-remains from the Pigeon Mountain site

The nature of the Mesolithic in China has not been studied much due to few well-context sites discovered and excavated during this period. situation also restricts understanding human subsistence period China, especially arid region. present paper reports flotation results at Locality 10 Pigeon Mountain site Northwest China. Ten species plants belonging six families were identified, dominated by Agriophyllum squarrosum Artemisia sieversiana . No firm evidence proves domestication. Combined with lithic artefacts QG10, ancient people could utilize plant resources constructing or expanding food spectrum. It is first systematic archaeobotany work Paleolithic result reminds us that enhanced utilization wild a vital for regions.