Final answer:
The Ice Man Ötzi, discovered in the Alps, was dressed in functional clothing suitable for cold climates, showing advances in clothing design. Studies reveal using natural medical substances and contribute to our understanding of human adaptation during the late Quaternary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The remains of Ötzi the Ice Man, discovered in 1991 in the alpine region between Austria and Italy, reveal significant information about clothing from 5,000 years ago. Ötzi wore a heavy coat made of goat and sheep hides, tight-fitting leggings, a bearskin cap, and shoes constructed from woven grass, tree fibers, and deer hide. This attire was well-suited for survival in cold climates, demonstrating advancements in functional clothing design from that period.
Further studies on Ötzi including whole-genome sequencing have provided new insights into his origin and phenotype. Additionally, evidence suggests that Ötzi used natural substances as laxatives and antibiotics, displaying a level of medical knowledge during that time. The discovery has contributed to our understanding of human life and survival strategies during the late Quaternary, a time of significant climate change and adaptation.