Analysis
of 60,000 – 45,000 year old coprolites provides insight into Neanderthal diet
Neanderthal dietary reconstructions
have, to date, been based on archaeological evidence, stable isotope data and
studies of dental calculus. These suggest that they were predominantly meat
eaters, although plant foods made a contribution to their diet. Hitherto, there
has been no direct evidence for an omnivorous diet.
A new study, published in the open
access journal PLoS One has presented direct evidence of Neanderthal diet using
faecal biomarkers, which are a valuable analytical tool for identifying diet.
Researchers applied gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy techniques to coprolites
(fossil faeces) from the Neanderthal site of El Salt at Alicante, Spain. The coprolites
were recovered from sediments gathered from a number of levels at the site, which
was repeatedly occupied by Neanderthals between 60,000 and 45,000 years ago.
The team focussed on chemical
processes associated with the action of bacteria in the gut. They found a high
proportion of coprostanol, which the gut bacteria produce from cholesterol and
which is associated with the consumption of meat. However, they also recorded
significant quantities of 5β-stigmastanol, which is associated with plant
consumption.
Further tests were necessary to
confirm that the coprolites were of human origin. The conversion of cholesterol
into coprostanol is not unique to humans, but related molecules were also
identified in proportions that ruled out other omnivores.
References:
1. Ainara Sistiaga, A., Mallol,
C., Galván, B. & Everett Summons, R., The Neanderthal Meal: A New
Perspective Using Faecal Biomarkers. PLoS One 9 (6), e101045
(2014).
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