A new study of a 125,000-year-old Neanderthal site in eastern Germany reveals evidence suggesting these early humans may have engaged in sophisticated bone processing to extract fat from animal remains. Excavations at Neumark-Nord 2 unearthed thousands of meticulously fragmented animal bones, primarily from fatty parts of the carcass, alongside stone tools and evidence of fire. This suggests a deliberate and organized approach to food acquisition, potentially indicating a higher cognitive capacity and dietary flexibility than previously understood.
Introduction:
The Neanderthals, our closest extinct human relatives, have long fascinated scientists and the public. While often portrayed as brutish and less sophisticated than modern humans, recent discoveries are challenging this traditional view. A new study published in Science Advances sheds light on the dietary strategies of Neanderthals in the Middle Pleistocene, suggesting a level of cognitive complexity previously attributed only to Homo sapiens.
The Neumark-Nord 2 Discovery:
The site of Neumark-Nord 2, located in eastern Germany, provides a unique window into Neanderthal life during the last interglacial period, approximately 125,000 years ago. Excavations unearthed an astonishing 118,774 fragments of mammal bones, overwhelmingly fractured into small pieces. Remarkably, a significant proportion (approximately 40%) of these bone fragments displayed signs of deliberate human modification, likely through cutting or hammering. The presence of 16,524 stone tools, crafted from flint, further reinforces the idea of a purposeful activity. Critically, the bone fragments were disproportionately sourced from high-fat areas of the animals, such as long bones and skulls, while low-fat parts like foot bones were less prevalent. This is a key piece of evidence pointing to a focused strategy.
Evidence of Controlled Processing and Dietary Flexibility:
The sheer number of meticulously fragmented bones, the concentration of fragments from high-fat areas, and the evidence of fire (including charred bones and stones) provide strong support for the hypothesis of deliberate bone processing. The deliberate fracturing, likely aided by fire to make extraction easier, suggests a sophisticated understanding of how to maximize nutritional yield from animal carcasses. This is not simply scavenging; it implies a level of planning and organization in acquiring and processing food.
Beyond Simple Scavenging:
The findings at Neumark-Nord 2 challenge the existing narrative surrounding Neanderthal behavior. While scavenging was likely part of their repertoire, the evidence suggests a more proactive approach to food acquisition. The careful selection of bones, the deliberate fracturing, and the utilization of fire to enhance the process point to a cognitive capacity that goes beyond basic survival. This suggests a more complex social structure, potentially involving division of labor or shared knowledge about food processing techniques.
Implications for Neanderthal Cognition and Dietary Strategies:
The study challenges the notion that Neanderthals were solely opportunistic scavengers. The evidence from Neumark-Nord 2 suggests a more nuanced understanding of their relationship with resources. The ability to extract high-value nutrients, such as fats, from bones demonstrates a level of dietary flexibility that may have been crucial for their survival in fluctuating environmental conditions.
Further Research:
Further analysis of the bone fragments, including isotopic analysis, can provide more detailed insights into the Neanderthal diet and its variability. Comparative studies with other Neanderthal sites from the same period can shed light on the widespread nature of this bone processing technique. These findings contribute to a growing body of research that re-evaluates our understanding of Neanderthal capabilities and adaptability.
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