Posted on 03/20/2016 5:22:11 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Scientists from the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (HEP) in Tübingen have studied the Neanderthals' diet. Based on the isotope composition in the collagen from the prehistoric humans' bones, they were able to show that, while the Neanderthals' diet consisted primarily of large plant eaters such at mammoths and rhinoceroses, it also included vegetarian food. The associated studies were recently published in the scientific journals Journal of Human Evolution and Quaternary International.
The paleo-diet is one of the new trends among nutrition-conscious people -- but what exactly did the meal plan of our extinct ancestors include? "We have taken a detailed look at the Neanderthals' diet," explains Professor Dr. Hervé Bocherens of the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tübingen, and he continues, "In the process, we were able to determine that the extinct relatives of today's humans primarily fed on large herbivorous mammals such as mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses."
The two excavation sites in Belgium that were examined offered the international team of scientists led by the biogeologist from Tübingen a vast array of 45,000 to 40,000 year-old bones of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, wild horses, reindeer, European bison, cave hyenas, bears and lions as well as the remains of wolves. The immediate vicinity also revealed the bones of several Neanderthals. Based on isotope studies of the collagen in the bones, the researchers were able to demonstrate that the Neanderthals' diet differed markedly from that of other predatory animals. Collagen is an essential organic component of the connective tissue in bones, teeth, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the skin.
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...
The Neandertal Enigma"Frayer's own reading of the record reveals a number of overlooked traits that clearly and specifically link the Neandertals to the Cro-Magnons. One such trait is the shape of the opening of the nerve canal in the lower jaw, a spot where dentists often give a pain-blocking injection. In many Neandertal, the upper portion of the opening is covered by a broad bony ridge, a curious feature also carried by a significant number of Cro-Magnons. But none of the alleged 'ancestors of us all' fossils from Africa have it, and it is extremely rare in modern people outside Europe." [pp 126-127]
by James Shreeve
in local libraries
My wife is right. I am a Neanderthal :)
That’s about the same as mine. Am I going extinct?...
LOL! However, the DemocRATS are going to be able to throw this back in our faces and say, “See! We can’t be Neanderthals as you Americans are always claiming!”
They went heavy on endive, arugula, and quinoa.
meat is good
No worries, though. I'm eating paleo now myself. I don't have to be concerned about being flattened by a mastodon.
What, no fruits?
They apparently lived in northern cold climates. Not many orange trees.
Since I’m a carnivore, this is pleasant news! :o])
“I KNOW, I know.....they ate themselves to extinction....We are on our way too....” (Damnit)
Vile weeds! Meat for me!
Yes, but what percentage beer?
Nothing else besides meat and vegetables?
These are scientists give them a break.
They call it vegetarian food, as opposed, you know, to vegetables.
One of the reasons our species did so well, is that it could thrive on such a varied diet. Some survived on mostly meat, (like Inuit) and some were mostly vegetarian.
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