What did Neanderthals eat?

Neanderthals did not solely feast on mammoth steaks, as previously thought. Instead, they stored their kills for months and consumed the maggots that infested the decaying carcasses, which provided them with essential nutrients and protein.

How did Neanderthals acquire high levels of nitrogen in their bones?

The high levels of heavy nitrogen in Neanderthal bones, which previously indicated they were at the top of the food chain, were actually due to their consumption of protein-rich maggots, not from eating massive amounts of meat.

What is the significance of the Neanderthal diet discovery?

The findings challenge the long-held belief that Neanderthals were "hypercarnivores" who stood at the top of the food chain. Instead, they suggest that Neanderthals were more adaptable and resourceful in their dietary habits, favoring the fatty parts of their kills and the maggots that infested the decaying carcasses.

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Neanderthals Feasted on Maggots, Not Endless Mammoth Steaks

25 Jul

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Summary

Neanderthals stored meat for months, favoring fatty parts and maggots
High nitrogen levels in Neanderthal bones due to maggot consumption, not meat
Maggots provided Neanderthals with protein, fat, and essential nutrients

Neanderthals Feasted on Maggots, Not Endless Mammoth Steaks

Researchers have uncovered new evidence that challenges the long-held belief that Neanderthals were top predators who feasted on endless mammoth steaks. The findings suggest that these ancient human relatives were more resourceful and adaptable in their dietary habits.

Rather than consuming meat ravenously, Neanderthals are believed to have stored their kills for months, favoring the fatty parts of the carcasses and the maggots that infested the putrefying meat. This discovery helps explain the high levels of heavy nitrogen found in Neanderthal bones, which previously indicated they were at the top of the food chain.

Experts now believe that Neanderthals acquired these high nitrogen levels not from consuming massive amounts of meat, but from eating the protein-rich maggots that thrived on their stored kills. This would have been a practical and nutritious way for Neanderthals to supplement their diet, as many indigenous groups around the world still routinely consume maggots in decaying meat.

The findings suggest that Neanderthals were more adaptable and resourceful in their dietary habits than previously thought, challenging the notion that they were "hypercarnivores" who stood at the top of the food chain.

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