The True Diet of Prehistoric People: More Plant-Based Than Previously Thought
For decades, the image of prehistoric humans as voracious carnivores, constantly on the hunt for meat, has been widely held. However, recent research is challenging this notion, suggesting that our early ancestors ate less meat than previously believed. Instead, numerous studies indicate that prehistoric people were nearly all vegetarian.
Investigating the Evidence
The basis for much of the original belief that prehistoric humans were primarily carnivorous comes from examining animal bones found at early human camps. These bones often show signs of butchering and indicate that early people likely ate meat. However, the true extent of their meat consumption is hard to determine through fossil remains alone.
To understand this, we can look to modern examples such as chimpanzees. Chimps, our nearest non-human relatives, often feast on meat after hunting smaller primates. However, these hunting events are not frequent, and chimps can go for weeks without hunting again. This suggests that meat was not a staple in their diet, but rather a supplement.
New Evidence and Research
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has provided strong evidence that prehistoric human diets were more plant-based than previously thought. The researchers used a holistic approach, examining not just the bones of hunted animals but also the leftovers and other plant remains from prehistoric sites.
One key finding of this research is that vegetable matter rarely survives in the archaeological record. Bones and teeth, on the other hand, are highly resistant to decay and are much more likely to be preserved. This means that previous studies, which were largely based on these bone remains, may have overestimated the amount of meat early humans consumed. The presence of vegetable matter, even in small amounts, is crucial in providing a more accurate picture of early human diets.
Physiology and Evolutionary Adaptations
The dietary habits of our ancestors are also supported by studies on human physiology. Humans have a digestive tract and teeth suited for herbivorous diets, not carnivorous ones. Additionally, the hands of early humans were not adapted for shredding meat, as is common in predatory animals, but rather for grasping and manipulation of plant material.
While some may argue that meat consumption increased as food accessibility improved, the reality is more complex. Food accessibility has varied significantly throughout human evolution. Prehistoric people often had to rely on gathering and hunting, and this effort would have naturally resulted in a more diverse diet, including a significant amount of plant-based foods.
Conclusion
As our understanding of prehistoric human diets grows, it becomes clear that the image of early humans as voracious meat-eaters is not entirely accurate. The evidence, when properly considered, suggests that they were mostly vegetarian. This aligns with the physiological traits and habits that have been observed in our ancestors. Whether you are interested in the Paleo diet or simply curious about our evolutionary heritage, it is fascinating to learn that early humans relied heavily on plant-based foods.