South American Hunters' Appetite for Megafauna Revealed
A recent study by a team of archaeologists has shed light on the eating habits of ancient South American hunters during the last Ice Age. The research, led by Luciano Prates of Mexico's National University of La Plata, suggests that megafauna, including giant sloths and elephant-like creatures, were a staple in their diet.
According to the study, published in a leading scientific journal, the remains of extinct megafauna were found at 20 archaeological sites in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The researchers analyzed over 1,000 animal bones, revealing that 70% of them belonged to megafauna weighing more than 44 kilograms (97 pounds). This is significantly higher than the percentage of smaller prey species, such as guanacos and pumas.
"We were surprised by the sheer number of megafauna remains found at these sites," said Prates. "It's clear that these ancient hunters had a strong preference for large game."
The study also suggests that human hunting may have played a significant role in the extinction of South America's last Ice Age megafauna. The researchers estimate that between 10,000 and 15,000 individuals of each species were killed by humans during this period.
Background research reveals that the last Ice Age, which ended around 11,700 years ago, saw the demise of many large mammal species in South America. While climate change is often cited as a primary factor, the new study suggests that human hunting may have been a contributing factor.
"This study provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between humans and their environment during this period," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert on pre-Columbian cultures at the University of Buenos Aires. "It highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when studying extinction events."
The findings of the study have sparked debate among scientists about the role of human hunting in megafauna extinction. While some argue that climate change was the primary driver, others believe that human activities may have played a more significant role.
As research continues to unravel the mysteries of the past, one thing is clear: the appetites of ancient South American hunters were far-reaching and had a lasting impact on the continent's ecosystem.
By the numbers:
70% of animal bones analyzed belonged to megafauna
20 archaeological sites in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay were examined
Over 1,000 animal bones were analyzed
10,000-15,000 individuals of each species may have been killed by humans during this period
Next developments:
The study's findings will be presented at an upcoming conference on paleoecology in Santiago, Chile. Researchers are eager to continue exploring the complex relationships between humans and their environment during the last Ice Age.
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*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
