A chemical analysis of the teeth of an early human believed to be 1.8 million years old revealed that the ancient hominid adapted its feeding habits on a monthly basis, which indicates it lived a nomadic lifestyle.
The teeth were found in a skull that was discovered at Swartkrans in South Africa. The shape and buildup of the teeth initially led researchers to believe that the hominid became extinct because its diet was too specialized to adapt to climate change.
However, a chemical analysis of the Paranthropus robustus teeth revealed that the species lived on fruit, nuts, grasses, sedges (grasses with solid stems), seeds, herbs, tubers, tree leaves and roots. The researchers believe the hominid may have consumed animal meat, but could not determine if it hunted or scavenged meat.
The team of scientists from the University of Utah also said in its report that the teeth reflected dietary changes based on annual rainfall.
"This shows that variability in human diet has been 'in the family' for a long time," said Professor Thure Cerling of the University of Utah. "Hominids were taking advantage of seasonal differences in food in a savanna environment.
"We cannot tell if they were carnivores or scavengers, but it is possible their diet included animals," Cerling said.
The scientists now hypothesize that Paranthropus robustus may have become extinct after it was wiped out by modern Man's direct ancestors in a battle for supremacy on the plains of Africa.
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