Tag

Prehistoric Diet

All articles tagged with #prehistoric diet

Gran Dolina finds show cannibalism spanned adults and children
science16 days ago

Gran Dolina finds show cannibalism spanned adults and children

New fossils from Gran Dolina cave in Spain, dating ~850,000 years, include 24 remains with stone-tool cut marks from at least six adults, indicating Homo antecessor practiced cannibalism across a broader age range than previously thought. Earlier work emphasized child victims, but the expanded sample shows cannibalism affecting both adults and children, with bite marks on bones strengthening the case, while animal remains suggest humans had a varied diet. Archaeologists continue excavations to better understand ancient diet and behavior.

Ancient toothed platypus fossils push dental history back 25 million years
science3 months ago

Ancient toothed platypus fossils push dental history back 25 million years

Palaeontologists in South Australia uncovered 25-million-year-old adult platypus fossils with teeth, including molars and premolars, extending the dental record by about 8 million years. Findings from Frome Downs and Billeroo Creek suggest a crunchier diet featuring crayfish and molluscs and a forelimb similar to modern platypuses, indicating strong swimming in a lush ancient environment.

Archaeologists' Neanderthal Cooking Reveals Shocking Findings
science9 months ago

Archaeologists' Neanderthal Cooking Reveals Shocking Findings

A recent study challenges traditional views of Neanderthals as limited hunters by showing they skillfully processed small birds and used fire for cooking, which may have led to underrepresentation of such behaviors in the archaeological record due to bone fragility and preservation biases, suggesting a higher level of cognitive and behavioral complexity than previously thought.

"Stone Age Chewing Gum Unveils Ancient Diet and Diseases"
archaeology2 years ago

"Stone Age Chewing Gum Unveils Ancient Diet and Diseases"

Analysis of 9,500-year-old chewing gum found in Sweden revealed the diverse diet and poor oral hygiene of early humans in Scandinavia, as well as the presence of "notable" dental diseases. DNA analysis linked the gum to three teenage individuals who were likely camping, hunting, and fishing in the area, and showed the presence of oral pathogens such as Streptococcus. Traces of various plants and animals on the gum indicated a diet composed of both terrestrial and marine life, providing insight into the lives of ancient Scandinavian hunter-gatherers.