For the article of the week, we discuss the diets of Neanderthals. This study looked into the nitrogen content in the collagen of Neanderthal’s bones and found that the nitrogen content of these bones was the same as animals that are carnivorous. The specific nitrogen isotope found in bones is a good way to estimate the source of dietary protein over the course of the samples life. These samples showed that Neanderthals got most of their nitrogen from meat and not plants. Eating plants would result in a lower nitrogen isotope value.
How does the diet of Neanderthals tie into the diet of modern humans? Well, Neanderthals are our ancient ancestors and we share very similar GI tracts and overall physiology as them, so we should model our diet to be as close to there’s as possible. To learn more about the diet of Neanderthals, listen to this week’s podcast.
Articles Mentioned
Isotopes found in bones suggest Neanderthals were fresh meat eaters
