For years, scientists believed that Neanderthals were massive meat-eaters, feasting on as much flesh as lions and hyenas. However, new research suggests that hominins, including Neanderthals, our species, and other extinct relatives, are actually more omnivorous than previously thought.
Unlike hypercarnivores like lions and hyenas, which can thrive on high-protein diets, humans cannot tolerate excessive protein consumption without adequate nutrients. This can lead to a condition known as “rabbit starvation,” which is characterized by debilitating symptoms.
So, what explains the chemical signatures found in Neanderthal bones that suggest they were eating large amounts of meat? Researchers have discovered that the answer lies in a previously unknown source: maggots.
By analyzing the ratios of elements in ancient animal bones, scientists can determine what they ate while alive. This involves measuring isotopes, such as nitrogen-15 and nitrogen-14, which vary in mass and are denoted by δ¹⁵N. As organisms move up the food chain, their bodies accumulate more nitrogen-15.
Researchers found that when Neanderthals consumed maggots, which are high in nitrogen-15, it explained the unusual chemical signatures found in their bones. Maggots, which break down organic matter, would have been a common food source for Neanderthals, allowing them to thrive on a diet rich in meat while minimizing excessive protein consumption.
This groundbreaking discovery sheds new light on the dietary habits of our ancient ancestors and highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when studying human evolution.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/07/fermented-meat-with-a-side-of-maggots-a-new-look-at-the-neanderthal-diet