A recent study led by researchers from the University of Southampton has revealed significant differences in the hunting strategies and dietary habits of Neanderthals and Magdalenian humans in Western Europe, specifically in the Almonda Cave network in Portugal, dating back nearly 100,000 years. Analyzing strontium isotopes in tooth enamel, the team found that Neanderthals hunted large animals over extensive territories of approximately 600 square kilometers, targeting species like horses and wild goats. They used sophisticated laser ablation techniques to measure thousands of strontium isotope variations in the teeth, tracking movements over the two to three years of enamel formation. Conversely, Magdalenian humans, living around 13,000 years ago, operated within a much smaller territory of about 300 square kilometers, subsisting on smaller prey such as rabbits and freshwater fish, reflecting changes in population density and resource availability. The study not only provides insights into prehistoric lifestyles but also highlights the advancements in archaeological science, enabling researchers to reconstruct individual life histories through chemical analysis of remains. The research underscores how Neanderthals’ broader range was likely due to lower population densities compared to the Magdalenian period, when increased competition led humans to adapt their hunting strategies.
