A team of anthropologists led by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) conducted an analysis
Traditionally, to determine the dietancient people, scientists use the analysis of proteins and nitrogen isotopes present in bone collagen. This method has a drawback: it does not allow the study of samples older than 50 thousand years.
A Neanderthal molar found in Gabas and used for analysis. Image: Lourdes Montes, CNRS
In a paper published in the journal PNAS,anthropologists presented an alternative method. They analyzed the isotope ratio of zinc contained in tooth enamel. It is the hardest material in the human body, resistant to degradation. The researchers explain: the lower the proportion of zinc isotopes in the bones, the higher in the food chain is a particular species.
For analysis, scientists used a toothNeanderthal found at an ancient site in Gabas in Spain. Similar measurements for comparison were carried out for the bones of animals that lived at that time in the same area. Among them were both carnivores, such as the lynx and the wolf, and herbivores, such as the rabbit and chamois.
The results of the study of zinc isotopes showed thatthat the ancient Neanderthals were predators. At the same time, data from the analysis of other chemical elements indicate that, as a rule, they did not consume animal blood, but preferred bone marrow. The researchers plan to confirm their findings by examining the remains of representatives of this ancient species that lived in other regions.
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On the cover: Charles R. Knight, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons