New research challenges long-held assumptions about the eating habits of hunter-gatherers. For the first time, scientists have found compelling evidence that a group of pre-agricultural humans living in Morocco 15,000 years ago favored plants over meat in their diet.
This groundbreaking study, conducted by an international team of researchers, sheds light on the dietary practices of ancient human societies and raises intriguing questions about the development of agriculture. Traditionally, scientists believed that meat consumption played a dominant role in the diets of hunter-gatherers before the Neolithic transition to farming. However, well-preserved human remains from Paleolithic sites are scarce, making it difficult to accurately assess dietary habits during this period.
The new study, published in Nature, meticulously analyzed the remains of individuals from the Iberomaurusian culture unearthed in Morocco’s Taforalt Cave. The researchers employed a multi-isotopic approach, examining dental enamel, collagen, and amino acids from human and animal bones. Additionally, they analyzed archaeobotanical remains found at the site, such as acorns, pine nuts, and wild pulses.
The combined findings painted a surprising picture. The analysis revealed a clear preference for plants, particularly those native to the Mediterranean region, in the diet of these ancient hunter-gatherers. This plant-based diet predates the arrival of agriculture in the area by thousands of years.
Furthermore, the study suggests that plant-based foods were introduced even to infants, potentially serving as a weaning strategy. This has significant implications, as it challenges the conventional understanding of weaning practices in hunter-gatherer societies, which were previously thought to rely more heavily on breast milk for extended periods.
“Our findings not only provide new insights into the dietary habits of pre-agricultural human groups but also highlight the complexity of human subsistence strategies across various regions,” explains Zineb Moubtahij, the lead author of the study. “Understanding these dietary patterns is essential for piecing together the puzzle of human evolution.”
This research also unveils the potential of zinc isotope analysis in dental enamel to study dietary practices of ancient populations in Africa – a crucial region for understanding human evolution and dispersal. By employing this novel technique, scientists can glean valuable insights into how humans adapted their diets to different environments throughout history.
The research team’s next steps involve exploring additional Paleolithic sites in North Africa and utilizing innovative techniques to gain a deeper understanding of how our ancestors ate and how these dietary choices influenced human evolution. This groundbreaking study is a testament to the power of scientific exploration and its ability to rewrite our understanding of the past. As research progresses, we can expect to uncover even more fascinating details about the lives and habits of our hunter-gatherer forebears.