Research published in the journal Scientific reportshows that extinct ancestors of modern humans, such as Neanderthals and Homo erectus, who lived in the Levant about 120,000 years ago, did not practice mass hunting but used a strategic selection approach, hunting individual animals. This may have put them at a disadvantage when living next to Homo sapiens, writes Phys.org.
Excavations in the Nesher Ramla limestone depression, where ancient and modern humans may have met for the first time, have revealed the bones of the aurochs (Bos primigenius), the wild ancestor of modern cows. These remains, which are approximately 120,000 years old, were found with clear signs of hunting and slaughtering activities.
Bone analysis shows that hunters were extremely selective, favoring mature female bison. The bone accumulation was not the result of a one-time mass hunt but of individuals carried out by small groups. Microscopic wear marks on the animals' teeth suggest they were killed during the dry season, when they ate evergreen leaves and thin tree branches.
Isotope analysis of teeth showed that bison belonged to different herds living in different places, which refuted the hypothesis of mass hunting.
The social structure of human societies remains unclear. It is hypothesized that such groups are small and scattered, in contrast to the more organized sapiens. This difference may have influenced the survival of different groups as they coexisted in the same territory.
Researchers have used hunting methods as markers of social organization. Mass hunting, which requires complex communication and cooperation, involves larger, more connected groups.
Mass hunting methods commonly associated with Homo sapiens date back to 50,000 years ago, a discovery that makes scientists wonder whether these strategies may have emerged earlier. However, more research is needed to reach firm conclusions.
Archaeologists have debunked the myth of the “light meat diet”
How did Neanderthals live on the Don: new data about ancient people
Stone tools found in China that shouldn't have been there – an archaeological mystery
Subscribe and read “Science” in telegram
